The Emirates FA Cup fixture this weekend has now been reversed and will be hosted at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.
Still taking place on Saturday 9 January with a 3pm kick-off, the fixture will also still be broadcast on BT Sport Extra 6.
This drastic course of action at short notice has been taken due to the surface at Boundary Park being frozen and with temperatures remaining low and below freezing at times, the Football Association has directed the change in venue to ensure the fixture can still go ahead on the same date and time as it was originally scheduled.
The decision is supported by both clubs and in the current climate with the fixture being behind-closed-doors, this is the most logical option to ensure the fixture is played to a natural conclusion.
Since the last home game on Boxing Day, the club and its grounds staff have done everything possible to give this cup fixture the best chance to be hosted at Boundary Park, but unfortunately on this occasion the hard work and additional assistance from other local clubs wasn’t enough.
Oldham Athletic would like to place on record its thanks to all those who have helped and assisted and will now continue to prepare properly for what will be an away cup fixture at the weekend.