NEWPORT County have issued a statement expressing their disappointment at the postponement of last night’s Leasing.com Trophy quarter-final against Leicester City U21s.

The club say the last-eight tie, called off due to a frozen Rodney Parade pitch, will now be played in Newport on Tuesday, February 4 (kick-off 7pm).

The decision by referee Ben Toner to postpone the game so close to kick-off came in for criticism on social media, with the announcement only being made around half an hour before the start.

A statement posted on the club’s website today reads: “Everyone associated with Newport County AFC was disappointed by last night's postponement of our Leasing.Com Trophy quarter-final against Leicester City U21s due to a frozen pitch.

“In particular, the club shares the disappointment of both sets of supporters who attended the match.

“Despite frost covers being placed on the Rodney Parade pitch since the win against Swindon Town on Saturday, and the pitch firstly being deemed playable by the referee following an inspection upon his arrival to the stadium at 5pm, the condition of parts of the playing surface deteriorated when both sets of players came out to warm-up and further concerns were then expressed.

“In view of the deteriorating conditions and concerns regarding parts of the pitch, a further inspection took place by the match officials at 6.30pm and the pitch was deemed unplayable.

“Ultimately, player safety must be prioritised above all other factors and the decision was taken by the referee after consulting with both managers to postpone the match to prevent any possible danger.”

Supporters have been reminded that tickets from the postponed match are still valid for the re-arranged fixture.

Anyone who bought tickets and cannot attend the game on the new date should either visit the club shop in the Kingsway Shopping Centre, email office@newport-county.co.uk or call 01633 264572 for information on how to obtain a refund (from Thursday morning).