Oxford City have had a result without kicking a ball before tonight's Ryman League Division 1 fixture against Staines Town - with the match being switched to Court Place Farm (7.45).

The change of venue has come about following a league ruling made due to the mounting fixture backlog caused by this winter's bad weather.

League officials agreed at an emergency meeting in London on Friday to allow clubs they consider not to be involved in promotion or relegation to play games at their opponents' ground if their pitch is unfit.

With Staines's Wheatsheaf Park pitch under water following the weekend deluge, the Middlesex club and City have agreed to the switch.

City manager Paul Lee welcomed the move, but denied that his side - who are ten points adrift of third-placed Braintree Town - were out of the running for promotion.

"It is a bit of a result for us," he said. "I am surprised, but we will take it. We have not given up on promotion. We probably have to win ten of our last 12 games to have a realistic chance, but we are capable of doing that once everyone gets fit."

Although happy to accept the switch, Lee also felt it was a dangerous step for the league to take.

"I think they are making a rod for their own back because I think there will be repercussions," he added.

City are further boosted by striker Mark Druce and defender Andy Smith having recovered from injuries which ruled them out of Saturday's postponed game against Yeading.

City members are reminded that the fixture still counts as Staines's home game, and so they will have to pay as if they are the visiting fans.