AFC Telford United were today forced to postpone their FA Trophy second round clash with Hayes & Yeading United due to a frozen pitch.

The match was called off following an 8.30am pitch inspection and will now be played on Tuesday evening, with the Setanta Shield tie against Kettering scheduled for that night being re-arranged. 

It is only the second home match that has had to be postponed by the Bucks since AFC Telford United was formed in the summer of 2004 – the other being a UniBond League Cup tie against Gresley in December 2005. 

“We’ve spent untold hours on the pitch this week and I’m sick of the sight of covers,” said chairman Lee Carter. “Another frost has just compounded the problem.

“It’s quite sad really, because it’s only the second game we’ve lost in almost five years – but it’s just one of those things.” 

Meanwhile, club captain Stuart Whitehead is relishing the prospect of a return to action with AFC Telford United, admitting: “I’m getting excited again”.

The 32-year-old has been out for almost two months after suffering a medial ligaments injury in the victory at Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Trophy.

His recovery is gathering pace though, and his progress has been helped by taking part in a rehabilitation programme at Lilleshall’s National Sports Centre.

Defender Whitehead was at the Shropshire base last week – and is returning again for another four days on Monday.

“It’s 9am to 5pm and it’s really intensive,” he said. “They’re working on you all day and it’s really good.

“I’ll be stepping it up again next week and I’m hoping I can join in training with the rest of the lads next Thursday and then be available for Saturday.

“It’s been seven weeks and I can finally see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel – I’m getting excited again.

“It could be a good time too, because we’ve picked up a few injuries so the gaffer needs some bodies.”

Whitehead is determined to make sure he is in peak condition when he returns in order to minimise the chance of a re-occurrence.

By CHRIS HUDSON