IT’S hats off this week off to Coplestonians FC.

There were only three teams to beat the weather and stage matches in the whole of Suffolk last Saturday.

Bury Town’s Ryman League Premier Division match at home to Concord Rangers went ahead, after fans had rallied round to clear the pitch, and Brantham’s FA Vase tie also beat the elements.

But special praise goes to Touchline SIL Senior Division side Coplestonians, whose game against Wickham Market completed the successful trio.

Tony Robinson, the club’s vice-chairman, said a plea to help clear the snow off the second-team pitch at Woodbridge Town’s Notcutts Park paid dividends.

He said: “There were up to 40 people involved – supporters, officials and players of Coplestonians and Woodbridge U15s and U16s, who wanted the pitch cleared for their Sunday games.

“As the day progressed some had to leave, including the players who had to prepare for the game.

“We started at 8.45am and finished at 1.20pm – about four-and-a-half hours non-stop apart from a couple of short tea breaks!

“I had major doubts at around 10.30am but we just kept going in a tremendous team effort.”

Coplestonians defeated Wickham Market 2-0 – their sixth straight league victory thanks to goals from Matt Bristo and Ross Beech – and are now up to seventh in the table in their first season back in the top flight.

“There were a lot of tired but very happy people come the end of the match – a top-class game with a couple of quality goals and some great football played by both sides,” added Robinson.