League One clash postponed hours before kick-off as flooding wreaks havoc on New Year’s Day
WIGAN’S League One clash with Huddersfield has been postponed due to flooding.
The New Year’s Day battle at the Brick Community Stadium will not go ahead after wild weather caused chaos in the local area.
In a statement released nearly four hours before the 3pm kick-off, Wigan informed both home and away fans to avoid making any journeys.
Heavy wind and rain had battered their ground throughout the morning.
But although the playing surface was fine, heavy flooding in surrounding roads and the local area put the safety of the League One game against Huddersfield at huge risk.
Wigan’s statement read: “Our New Year’s Day clash against Huddersfield Town has been postponed due to severe localised flooding.
“Heavy rainfall over Tuesday night has made roads treacherous in the area, although the playing surface at the Brick Community Stadium was deemed playable.
“However, safety concerns regarding the public areas surrounding the ground and the strain on local emergency services dealing with a number of major incidents, which have been affected by severe flooding, led to the league fixture being called off.
“Access to the area is severely restricted with many access routes closed due to flooding, and the emergency services are unable to provide resources to support the matchday operation.
“The news is naturally disappointing as Shaun Maloney and his players were looking forward to the highly-anticipated New Year’s Day fixture, but the safety of both sets of supporters is of paramount importance.
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“An update on the fixture rearrangement will be announced in due course.
“All tickets from the New Year’s Day clash will remain valid for the rearranged game.”
Wigan’s game against Huddersfield wasn’t only the clash to be called off today.
Bad weather hit most parts of the UK to dampen the New Year’s spirit.
The National League match between Rochdale and Atrincham was put on ice due to a waterlogged pitch.
While rivals Halifax Town and Fylde’s match was also postponed due to an unplayable field.
There were also numerous games called off in the Isthmian League.
Cheshunt vs Hendon and Mertsham vs Three Bridges were among the casualties.
Broadbridge Heath vs Stenning Town, East Grinstead Town vs Sevenoaks Town and Burgess Hill vs Eastbourne Town were also axed.