WANDERERS said they decided not to turn on the undersoil heating before Sunday's game with Fleetwood Town as no ground frost was forecast.

The Adams Park playing surface was eventually deemed unplayable by referee Andy Davies at 2.40pm - just 20 minutes before kick off - as it was frozen.

Blues said they made every effort to ensure the game could be played, switching on the undersoil heating on the morning of the game in an attempt to thaw the pitch out.

But following consultations with staff and officials from both clubs the game was called off after three separate inspections.

It is understood the reason to leave the heating off was not financially motivated.

In a statement the club said: "The groundstaff decided on Saturday evening not to operate the undersoil heating overnight, based on weather forecasts which predicted no ground frost and a surface temperature well above 0°C, rising to 7°C. When staff arrived at the stadium at dawn on Sunday morning, the heating was immediately switched on but was not sufficient to thaw the frost which had developed unexpectedly.

"The club made every effort to prepare the pitch throughout the day, and assisted the referee with his decision-making processes with the safety of the players and the convenience of the supporters as high priorities.

"An initial inspection at 1.30pm was inconclusive and a call by the referee was made at 2pm to allow the game to go ahead, which was communicated to supporters around the stadium. However, this decision was quickly placed on hold and it was agreed that a final call would be made once the players had been given the chance to warm up on the pitch to assess whether the surface was suitable.

"At 2.40pm, the referee deemed the pitch unplayable, with agreement from both managers, and the match was postponed. It was felt that delaying the kick-off time would still not benefit the pitch sufficiently as there was a further drop in temperature and the surface had worsened since his decision at 2pm. The news was then relayed to supporters."

The statement added: "To reiterate, all tickets will be valid for the rearranged fixture - the date of which will be announced in due course. If supporters are unable to attend the match, they will be entitled to a ticket for an alternative fixture of their choice on a like-for-like basis or a full refund.

"All 50/50 Matchday Draw tickets will be automatically entered into the draw at the rearranged fixture, and the winning number will be posted on wwfc.com the following day.

"The club regrets that it was unable to fulfil the fixture and for the inconvenience caused to both sets of supporters."