Latest update on Charlton v Bristol Rovers as four League One matches postponed

Bristol Rovers match with Charlton Athletic at The Valley will go ahead after it passed a third pitch inspection. It is the Gas’ final game before Christmas, and has survived the cold.

What’s the latest?

An FA referee inspected the pitch at 4:30 pm on Friday afternoon and gave the advice that the same should go ahead as planned. The referee did add that a second inspection would need to be done, given that the overnight conditions may impact the pitch’s surface.

Charlton covered their pitch with pitch covers and used lights on a section of their ground, to get the pitch into the best condition.

A second pitch inspection took place at 10am, and Sam Allison, the referee was satisfied that more than half the pitch was playable. He placed confidence that Charlton’s ground staff, and the improving weather would help the remaining areas of the pitch.

In a statement published at noon, Charlton said: “This afternoon’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Bristol Rovers will go ahead referee Sam Allison confirmed following a precautionary pitch inspection at 12.30pm. Well done to the club’s groundstaff for their hard work to get today’s game on.”

What games haven’t survived?

Three games have already fallen to the weather with Cheltenham Town versus Lincoln City off, as well as Peterborough United against Shrewsbury Town and Port Vale’s home game with Accrington Stanley.

Rovers are away at Wycombe Wanderers on Boxing Day, and the Chairboys are home this afternoon against Ipswich Town. Their game is on, with the ground staff clearing the pitch.

Cambridge United’s match against Fleetwood Town, was called off at late notice.