Leyton Orient vs Derby POSTPONED after London hit with icy blast overnight with FA Cup third round hit by weather chaos
LEYTON ORIENT’s FA Cup third-round clash with Derby County has been postponed just hours before kick-off.
The League One side announced the pitch at Brisbane Road was unplayable ahead of this evening’s tie.
Orient updated fans throughout the morning as ground staff worked hard to make the pitch playable.
Freezing temperatures overnight in the capital plunged to around -7c.
The third-round tie had been due to kick-off in East London at 6pm.
But a pitch inspection just after midday confirmed the playing surface was frozen.
A statement from the club read: “Today’s Emirates FA Cup third-round tie against Derby County at Gaughan Group Stadium has been postponed, following a pitch inspection.
“The match will now be contested in E10 on Tuesday 14thJanuary – KO 7.45pm.
“The O’s Vertu Trophy match against Stevenage has been moved.”
The game is the third FA Cup fixture of the weekend to fall foul of the weather.
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Preston‘s meeting with Charlton and Mansfield vs Wigan have both been called off due to a frozen pitch.
Seven League One matches have already been canned, with only Rotherham’s home game with Bolton left standing.
In League Two, Tranmere’s visit to Walsall, Wimbledon vs Cheltenham, and Swindon vs Crewe are the only matches to survive the big freeze.
Orient are currently enjoying a superb season in League One.
Richie Wellens has guided his team to the cusp of a playoff spot, with the team enjoying five straight wins over the festive period.
The O’s are hoping to progress past the third round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2011.
Derby meanwhile are currently sitting 18th in the Championship.
The Rams – winners of the FA Cup in 1946 – have battled past the third round in three of the last six seasons.