OXFORD United’s training regime this week has been largely unaffected by the snow and ice.

A recovery day on Monday was spent in the gym, while Tuesday’s session was switched to the artificial pitch in the dome at the Oxford Academy.

By yesterday, conditions had improved sufficiently at Roman Way for the squad to train outside as normal.

U’s boss Pep Clotet said: “It was a good day at the Academy because it was different than normal, which the players like.

“The intensity was there, so we were not really affected by it.

“Now we can train on normal pitches, so it’s not been harmful for us.

Frost covers have been laid at Spotland this week and while the forecast is for sub-zero temperatures in Rochdale tonight, there is optimism the game will go ahead as planned.