There was cautious optimism, however, that this might be the night when the action goes ahead. A pitch inspection was called for noon and the surface was passed as playable.

News of that came, though, with a warning that even just a couple of hours of rain this evening would be enough to force cancellation No. 3.

United, though, were hopeful this time they would be seeing some action and, with the CIS Cup Final looming large on the horizon, not to mention next Wednesday’s date at Celtic, the management and players want the game on.

“These call-offs have been a bit of distraction, but all the players want to do is get out and play and we want this game on,” said boss Craig Levein.

While cup final fever has gripped fans — 2000 of the extra ticket allocation of 3200 were snapped up in hours yesterday — the gaffer knows that three points from Gretna would represent a big step towards clinching a top-six finish in the league.

United are also painfully aware they are facing this season’s bogy team, who have already beaten them twice.

With the departure of manager Davie Irons, plus a whole host of players, it will be an almost unrecognisable side the Tangerines are facing up to tonight.

“It’s very unusual that so many changes should be made in the middle of a season and that makes it hard to predict how they will play, but we have had them watched and have an idea what to expect,” added Craig.