Blades clash called off

Colchester's game at home to Sheffield United on Saturday has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Referee Trevor Kettle made the decision after inspecting the pitch at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Kettle told the Blades' official website: "I think it was a very easy decision. There is a 20-metre strip across the pitch where the stand casts a shadow which is really solid.

"Even stood there now with the temperature at one degree, the wind chill factor is making that lower. With anticipated sub-zero temperatures [on Friday night and Saturday morning], the probability of playing the pitch being playable is very low.

"In the interests of safety, I was of the opinion that the game should be called off."

A date for the rearranged fixture is yet to be decided.