Orient defend decision to cancel Carlisle clash
Pitch is passed fit but the roads are not safe
ORIENT chief executive Matthew Porter insisted the club were right to call off Saturday’s match against Carlisle United on safety grounds.
Although the pitch passed a 10am inspection on Friday, the icy conditions of the surrounding roads forced the postponement.
Porter said: “It’s disappointing, but it’s the right decision. By the South Stand turnstiles in Buckingham Road it’s treacherous underfoot.
“It’s slippery just standing there and the whole of Buckingham Road, Brisbane Road, Windsor Road and half of Oliver Road is like that.
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“The pitch is playable. It’s been under cover for three-and-a-bit days and the snow that has fallen has given it a blanket effect.
“But we have got 4,000 people coming here tomorrow and I would not feel comfortable for their safety making them walk on roads like this. That’s a view echoed by the police and council as well.”
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Despite the postponement, Orient will be hoping the weather improves for Tuesday night’s FA Cup replay against Droylsden to take place.
