Fog makes FA Cup tie 'worst' of Bower's career

Steve Bower described the conditions during the FA Cup first-round tie between Altrincham and Notts County as the worst of his 35-year career after thick fog descended on Moss Lane. Bower said that from his position opposite the dugouts, he could not see anything once play moved beyond the centre circle after about the 60th minute. "We couldn't see which team had the ball, let alone which player had the ball," he said, adding that the challenge was made even greater because the match went to extra time.

National League side Altrincham had led 2-1 and were on course for an upset against the League One visitors before Callum Roberts scored a late equaliser to force extra time, with Notts County eventually winning on penalties. Bower lamented that a compelling cup tie became a non-event because viewers could not see half of it, making it impossible to describe the tactics, shape or effort as normal.

Radio commentators also struggled, with Adam Hassell saying he could just about see the bright white numbers on shirts but was struggling to see the far side of the pitch. Former Notts County striker Mark Stallard said no one in the press box knew where the ball was and described the situation as "slightly farcical".

Even the managers on the touchline could not see the action, with Altrincham boss Neil Gibson saying they could not assess Notts County's tactical changes after four substitutions because visibility was so poor. Bower added that the players had to stop playing long diagonal passes and rely on short passes, and that the game was "very, very close to getting called off".

For the penalty shootout, Bower said he had to rely on the crowd's reaction before describing the outcome, as he could not see a goalkeeper's save until the first replay came in.