NEWPORT County AFC’s next game will be on Boxing Day after tomorrow's League Two trip to Hartlepool was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

The Exiles were hoping to get their 1-0 loss to Doncaster out of their system but instead will have the weekend off.

An early pitch inspection was held at Victoria Park in order to save the County squad – plus supporters – a wasted trip to the north east of England.

“Unfortunately, overnight, temperatures dropped to -5 degrees and the full ground froze over, including the water pipes,” read a Hartlepool statement.

“The club were optimistic about the pitch yesterday, as temperatures reached 3 degrees and we had a slight thaw.

“However, the forecasted temperature of 2 to 3 degrees today and tomorrow isn't quite enough to make the surface playable.

“Ross Joyce, the Premier League referee, attended the club to inspect the pitch at 11am this morning, and has confirmed the surface is unplayable.

“They've also confirmed that it's unlikely to improve given the forecasted temperatures.”

The game will be rescheduled for the new year with County next in action against AFC Wimbledon on Boxing Day.

That trip is followed by home encounters against Leyton Orient on Friday, December 30 (kick-off 7.45pm) and Crawley on Monday, January 2 (kick-off 3pm).