NEWPORT County are going to be in the hat for the semi-finals of the Leasing.com Trophy – but they still have their last-eight clash with Leicester City U21s to play after it was postponed tonight.

The game, scheduled for a 7pm kick-off, was called off by referee Ben Toner around 40 minutes before the start due to a frozen Rodney Parade playing surface.

The pitch had passed an earlier inspection, however, with temperatures dropping, and sections of the ground already icy, the decision was made to call off the tie. A new date is to be confirmed.

“We always try and put the safety of the players first,” said County boss Michael Flynn. “I think the referee gave it as long as he could, but it actually got worse from when he first inspected it.

“I think the referee has been excellent and he’s made a decision on the safety of the players, and I can’t fault him for that.

“I spoke to Steve (Beaglehole, Leicester manager) as well, and they were happy to play, and we were happy to play, but it’s all good us saying we’re happy to play.

“It’s not actually our careers and you’ve got to put the players first.

“There was an inspection earlier, which I was part of, and it was playable.

“But the temperature dropped again and it just extended the area which was a little bit of a concern.

“You look at it and 90% of the pitch was playable, but that 10%, you can’t risk it.”

He added: “You feel for the fans. I went over and told the fans and they didn’t believe me.

“That is the only bad part about it, the supporters who have come to watch the team.

“But it can’t be helped, and we look forward to their support in the next game.”