Referee Ben Speedie explained that player safety was a motivating factor as to why he postponed Derby County's third-round clash against Leyton Orient.

Plummetting temperatures overnight prompted concern over the Brisbane Road surface prompting a pitch inspection at midday. But one of the goalmouths had been left frozen giving Speedie little choice but to call the game off with kick-off having been scheduled for 6pm.

In an interview with Leyton Orient's club media, Speedie explained that player safety was paramount, and the game has been rescheduled for Tuesday night.

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"I got a call from the club this morning to come in and check the pitch," he said. "Based on yesterday, the pitch was playable. The positive was that the weather was forecast to be warmer overnight.

"Unfortunately, overnight, the pitch and the weather were colder, and it's actually frozen one of the goalmouth areas. Due to the weather coming in that, come kick-off, it would be about minus one. The pitch isn't going to thaw. With the agreement of both clubs, it has been postponed due to player safety."

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