FRUSTRATED Ardeer Thistle assistant this week voiced concerns at drainage problems at their ground which have resulted in a host of call-offs.

And the District League club are urging North Ayrshire Council to fix the problem.

Thistle say poor drainage has resulted in water not clearing from the pitch, with only seven games played at Ardeer Stadium this season.

Assistant boss Mark McCann is desperately hoping the problems can be resolved and said: "We have been left frustrated at the lack of games due to a waterlogged park. Something has changed with the drainage of the park and we are trying to get to the bottom of it. The council own the park and maintain it but we have had little response from them with regards the problem and how it is going to be resolved. Ardeer rely on getting their games on to generate revenue, it's difficult at this time of year for every team because of the weather but in all honesty Ardeer's park was one of the best around and games were generally never off there in the past.

"We have played seven competitive games at Ardeer this season and only three league games at home. At this point of the season we would expect to have played at least 10 league games. Our guys can't get any consistency from not being able to play week i, week out. We lose our match fitness. The commitment shown by the players over the last few months has been excellent. We have had good turn outs at training and both management and players are left frustrated that come a Saturday the game is generally off. "

Added McCann: "Last week the both committee and management spent a couple of days trying to get the park ready for Saturday, but drainage and the weather beat us. Fundamentally there is an issue with the park and we would like to get it resolved. I'm realistic that nothing will be fixed in the next few months but we need to understand what the issue is and resolve it. For the community of Ardeer it is important for the survival of the club. There is an issue with the drainage. The park's drainage system does not drain the water away.

"I have been told it's a pump issue but I'm not convinced this is the sole reason and may be attributed to a collapsed drain."

However NAC said this week they were looking into the problem.

A spokesperson said: "We are investigating the possibility that there may be a blockage between the pitch and the outlet at the nearby scrap yard. We will carry out further work and see if this can be relieved or redirected so that it doesn't back up on the pitch.”