Early pitch inspection planned at Dagenham & Redbridge ahead of Hartlepool United National League match

The inspection will take place around noon on Friday at the Chigwell Construction Stadium following sub-zero temperatures throughout the day and into the weekend in East London.

Frost covers are in place at the stadium and Pools had been given assurances that the pitch was in a playable condition earlier in the week.

Due to the forecast, Pools offered on Monday to reverse the weekend fixture and play it at Victoria Park but this was politely declined by Dagenham, who remained confident that the match would go ahead as planned at their home ground.

“I’m really hopeful the game will go ahead,” Challinor said earlier on Thursday, before the pitch inspection was announced.

"They’ve assured us that they’ve got covers over the full pitch and their pitch is soft so if that remains the case then I’m confident that the game will be on.”

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