Bradford Park Avenue suffered yet more frustration yesterday as their Evo-Stik League Premier Division game at home to Northwich Victoria was postponed by the match referee just an hour before kick-off.

One small area of the Horsfall pitch was frozen, in the opinion of the official. The clubs had hoped to reschedule the fixture for tomorrow but that initiative was fading last night.

Avenue director Kevin Hainsworth said: “We were at the ground from 10am on Monday and we all thought the pitch was fine. The referee decided that the six-yard area at the far end was too hard.

“Once again it is a decision made by one man that prevented us from playing and wasted a lot of hard work.

“I can see where the ref is coming from because he thinks if he gives it the go-ahead and something happens then it will be down to him.

“The thing is that football is a risk business and we are in it knowing that. The players and club officials are well aware of what could go wrong but the risk is so minimal that we are all prepared to take it for the enjoyment of the game and the sake of the supporters.

“The Northwich lads and our lads had all been on the pitch and they wanted to play, as did both managers and their coaching staff.

“Everyone knows how long we have waited for a home game and how much work we have done on the ground to try to get the games on.”

The attempt to rearrange the Northwich game for Wednesday was one that was discussed by the clubs immediately after the call-off.

But Hainsworth said: “Both clubs were keen to try tomorrow but if we can’t get it on for a 3pm kick-off on what was a mild day like yesterday, then what chance would there be for a 7.45 kick-off?

“The temperatures are dropping again so it would probably have been another wasted exercise.”