More frustration for footballers

There was bitter disappointment for Hornchurch and Romford as their Bank Holiday matches fell victim to frozen pitches yesterday.

Boro’s Ryman One North clash with Ilford, scheduled to start at 1pm, was postponed after a 10am inspection at Mill Field, while Urchins saw their Premier Division derby with Aveley called off around midday.

And plans to put the Bridge Avenue fixture back 24 hours were scuppered by the work commitments of Aveley players.

Only five games out of 33 survived in the Ryman League, with Premier leaders Sutton winning 2-0 at Carshalton, while Cray repeated that scoreline to beat hosts Margate.

The entire Division One North programme was again wiped out, while three matches were played in the South division.

But, with the weather growing milder as the week progresses, teams will be hoping to return to action on New Year’s Day, while Hornchurch visit Wealdstone and Romford travel to Leyton.