Huge promotion clash called off as it becomes first victim of snow after failing pitch inspection

MANSFIELD’S promotion clash with Leyton Orient has been called off due to a frozen pitch.

Snowy weather this week led Mansfield to hold a pitch inspection at 10am.

https://twitter.com/mansfieldtownfc/status/1634086689722318850/photo/1

And match officials have judged the playing surface to be unplayable, allowing League Two leaders Orient to avoid travelling.

Mansfield revealed pitch covers have been in place since Sunday but heavy snowfall has led to safety concerns.

A statement read: “Following a pitch inspection this morning at One Call Stadium, Mansfield Town’s Sky Bet League Two encounter at home to Leyton Orient, scheduled for tomorrow, has been postponed.

“Covers have been on the field of play since Sunday, however, due to heavy snowfall and general safety concerns, the referee deemed the pitch unplayable after a 10am pitch inspection.

“The club was mindful to call a pitch inspection as early as possible to maximise the advance notice for both sets of supporters.”

The fixture is set to be rescheduled and the crunch clash could play a vital role in the promotion race later this season.

Orient are 11 points clear at the top of League Two, and have a 13 point gap to the play-off places.

Meanwhile the Stags, who have been in and out of the play-off places all season, are just one point and one place outside the top seven.

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They have played one game less than most of their promotion rivals and two less than the O’s, so face a busy fixture schedule from now until May.