Hamilton Accies v Dundee United postponed due to weather

Dec 24 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HEAVY snowfall forced off Hamilton’s home clash with Dundee United on Saturday – just 15 minutes before kick-off.

The New Douglas Park pitch looked good at 2pm, but light rain turned to hailstones and that quickly turned to snow – with the entire playing surface quickly blanketed by 2.45pm.

After speaking to Accies boss Billy Reid and United counterpart Craig Levein, and taking advice from Strathclyde Police, referee Iain Brines called the match off.

A replay date has not yet been set for the game, but supporters were given vouchers on their way out of the stadium that will allow them free entry to the rearranged match or a refund if they can’t make it.

“There’s nothing you can do about it when it happens that late and so close to kick-off,” said Accies secretary Scott Struthers.

“We handed out ‘match abandoned’ vouchers to supporters, which we haven’t done since a game against Morton was called off at the old Douglas Park in 1991.

“We’ve already got a midweek programme in January and February, and we could have Scottish Cup replays in January, so it could be into February before the match is replayed.”