Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas has apologised to U's fans following the decision to postpone today's game with Rushden and Diamonds.

He said many fans had already made the journey to the Kassam Stadium when the referee decided that too much of the pitch was frozen - at 1pm.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Mr Thomas said: "The club is so disappointed that this game has not taken place.

"This is one of the frustrations that come with not owning the stadium.

"We have been in constant dialogue with the Stadium Company and their ground staff, since before the bad weather last week, about the importance of this game, and at the end of the day the pitch was not ready for play as appropriate.

"This is a game we were all looking forward to and for it not to go ahead is shocking to say the least.

"Once again our fans were coming out in numbers, with a crowd of 10,000 plus expected, and I am very sorry if people feel let down."

Tickets will still be valid for the fixture when a new date is set, or refunds will be made available, Mr Thomas said.