ATHLETIC'S postponed Championship clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle tomorrow night has been rearranged.

The club confirmed earlier today that the game will not take place after East End Park was left covered in a blanket of snow following last week's severe weather.

It means that, with Saturday's game with Livingston also a victim of the weather, the Pars have gone five weeks without a home fixture.

That will, weather permitting, come to a halt next Tuesday night (March 13) after the game was rearranged for that date following this Saturday's trip to leaders St Mirren.

Dunfermline have not played at home since the televised defeat to the Buddies on January 26, with their next scheduled East End match not until March 17 against Morton.

In a weekend update to supporters, chairman Ross McArthur stated that there was "little or no chance" that the Inverness game would be on, and admitted that no  gate revenue since the end of January will be reflected in the club's year end figures.

He explained: "We just need to be philosophical about it and get on with things. It is really bad luck, but it is outwith our control.

"The barren period is certainly not great for us, which will be reflected in our year end figures, but thankfully gone are the days where our club has a cashflow issues, month-to-month.

"The Centenary Club is truly a lifeline in that regard, and I cannot thank enough our loyal supporter base for their continued generosity.

"Unfortunately, we have also suffered a number of burst pipes, one of which in the Norrie (McCathie) Stand disabled toilet has flooded our dressing room area.

"The playing squad are having to train and change away from East End Park. In addition, unprecedented levels of drifting snow have infiltrated the seating decks, which has caused damage within the Main Stand in our offices and function suites."

McArthur, however, paid tribute to the club's groundstaff - and fellow board members - for their efforts in clearing the ground of snow over the weekend.

He continued: "I would like to acknowledge a number of my fellow board members and members of their family, who were in early on Saturday to dig out the Main Stand seating decks to avoid further damage. Thanks to Bob, David, Drew (and his son Greg), Ian (and his wife Helen, and son Alistair) along with Derek Murdoch.

"I would also like to thank our ground staff, Kevin and Willie, for the work and effort they continue to put in on behalf of our club, away from the limelight.

"Willie, Kevin and his wife Diane were in at the stadium until 11pm on Friday night mopping water out of the dressing room area. Kevin, in particular had walked into work on both Thursday and Friday last week even though our club was closed, as at the same time Willie was snowed in.

"Kevin’s shift on Friday started at 9am when he single handily started to clear the seating decks of snow, even though he was told he could stay at home.

"After leaving the stadium late afternoon, he was then called back in (on foot) by the fire brigade, as the burst pipes had set off the fire alarm. At the time, Kevin and his wife, Diane were hand delivering on foot, prescriptions to local OAP’s who could not get out due to the weather!

"Kevin will be embarrassed that I am highlighting these facts, but I think it is important for our supporters to appreciate that the stars at East End Park, are not all on the pitch. Our club is very lucky to have dedicated and committed staff like Kevin and Willie."

New dates for the Livingston match will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile last Tuesday's postponed match at Brechin City has been rescheduled for Tuesday March 20.