Hartlepool United fans react to and question postponed National League match at Halifax Town following early pitch inspection

Pools’ National League match at The Shay was postponed following a 9am pitch inspection on Saturday with the surface deemed frozen and unplayable prior to the initially scheduled 3pm kick-off.

Dave Challinor’s side were looking to carry on their momentum into the new year after ending 2020 with three straight wins which took them up to second in the table.

Regardless of the postponement, Hartlepool will remain second this weekend.

And as with any postponed match, everyone seems to have an opinion – here’s what some fans were saying on Twitter following the announcement…

@HUFC_NWC didn’t pull any punches and aimed directly for Halifax: "Bit early, understand they don’t want us travelling but for the sake of an hour and a half? Do the pitch inspection at 12pm give it half a chance, they haven’t exactly given it a chance.

“Absolutely no intention of playing this from the outset.”

Michael Taylor didn’t want to throw allegations around as he tweeted: “Can’t really comment if you haven't seen the pitch, just guessing”

Stuart Blackett posted his thoughts: “I reckon if fans were allowed in the ground the efforts would have been different to get the game on. We would have taken loads over too

“Some of the comments from our fans are a bit over the top to be fair. Refs decision and seemed inevitable once an inspection was announced.”

But Jack Ashman felt something wasn’t right: “Smells a bit fishy for me like, why not pitch inspection at 11?”

Ollie Wyse also questioned the early inspection and the rearranged fixture plans: “What’s the point doing the inspection so early? Pitch has still got the best part of 5 hours to thaw out. Seems a bit odd

“Don’t understand why the club have said “the rearranged fixture will be announced in the next few weeks”. Why can’t we just play it this Tuesday as neither team have a game?”

Jordan Richardson also wants to see the match played this coming Tuesday as he tweeted: “Shame but forecast didn’t look like it was going to improve, would have been great to build on the momentum from our last three results. Surely two clubs can agree on something for this coming Tuesday night? Not sure, Challinor may welcome the rest after a hectic festive period!”

@hpoolneil felt Halifax could have done more: “If they were 2nd I am sure they would have bust a gut too get it on.

“Teams will try anything to stop momentum...poor.”

Richard Ward felt the right decision was made: “Sensible decision taken in time to cut hassle for Pools. Was never going to be playable, and photos close by show thick ice and temperatures forecast to stay around zero until at least 3.”

@k7vin11 commented: “A frozen pitch is a frozen pitch, no clubs want further postponements in a season like this. Especially two sat in play off places when PPG might come back in to play.”

Halifax based Carl Martin tweeted: “I live in Halifax and it's very icy, can't imagine the pitch will be playable by 3pm.”

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