United assistant boss Lewis frustrated by call-off (From The Oxford Times)

United assistant boss Lewis frustrated by call-off

8:30am Saturday 4th February 2012 in Sport By Nick Farrant

Oxford United assistant manager Mickey Lewis said the npower League Two club would have to take it on the chin after Saturday's game against Barnet was called off due to a frozen pitch.

It was hoped putting covers over the Kassam Stadium's playing surface would hold off the big freeze, but the sub-zero temperatures left it unplayable.

The decision came after local referee Dennis Hedges inspected the pitch at 3pm yesterday after being called in by officials at the Football League.

“We’re disappointed the game’s off,” said Lewis.

“There is no way a game could have been played. The covers worked, but it’s so cold, it only goes to a certain level.

“He’s made the right decision. It’s disappointing, but any game of football out there would have been a farce.

“We’ll give the lads a few days off and then come back in for training on Monday.

“It’s frustrating for everyone, but we move on.”

Lewis added: “We had an inkling when we had a look at the weather this morning that it probably would be off.”

Hedges said: “I don’t think a lorry would have made an indentation, it’s rock-hard.

“Without any shadow of a doubt, the game would not have gone ahead tomorrow.”