AN EFL clash has been cancelled the day before kick-off due to the extreme weather.
Salford City were due to host Colchester in League Two under the lights tomorrow night.
But the freezing temperatures and snow mean the pitch is unplayable.
And with the cold snap here to stay giving no chance of the pitch clearing and defrosting, the hosts have made the early decision to postpone the match.
Salford shared the news on Twitter at 11.15am on Thursday, a full 32-and-a-half hours ahead of Friday’s 7.45pm start.
And they accompanied the post with a photo of their Peninsula Stadium pitch completely covered in snow.
READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
Salford, owned by a host of Manchester United Class of ’92 legends, said: “Friday night’s Sky Bet League Two fixture between Salford City and Colchester United has been postponed because of a frozen pitch.
“A pitch inspection was held on Thursday morning by a match official, and with temperatures not due to increase significantly before the game they recommended a postponement.
“Both clubs will now liaise with the EFL and arrange a new date for the fixture.
“Supporters who had purchased match tickets should keep hold of these because they will be valid for the re-arranged fixture.
Most read in EFL
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
“Once a new date has been decided, if you can no longer make it to the game then you will be able to claim a refund from your point of purchase.”
Colchester supporters would have been getting ready for tomorrow’s 500-mile, ten-hour round trip to and from Salford.
So despite the disappointment at the cancellation, fans appreciated getting the news in plenty of time.
One said: “Oh well, at least away fans got a day’s notice.”
Another wrote: “Well done Salford for saving fans and players the trip. Others in the league should take note.”
A third added: “Sensible to make an early decision for travelling fans, both sets of staff, players, catering etc.”
And a final user replied: “Shame but sensible decision given what the forecast looks like!!”
The fixture that will be rearranged is an important one at the bottom for the EFL.
Salford – now managed by new boss Karl Robinson – currently sit 21st in League Two, one place and two points above Colchester.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
