GILLINGHAM face a mounting fixture backlog as Priestfield’s problem pitch claimed a fourth postponement of the season when last night’s match with Wimbledon was called off.

Nottingham referee Phil Joslin took the decision at 2.45pm claiming he had been left with no choice owing to the frozen state of areas on the Gordon Road side of the ground.

News of the postponement caught supporters unaware as no notice had been given regarding a pitch inspection. Many living outside the area had already set out for the match having left work early.

In addition to finding another new date for Wimbledon’s visit, Gillingham must also rearrange their trip to Sheffield United which was to have been on Saturday, Saturday, March 8. A new date must be found as United are involved in an FA Cup quarter-final that day against Leeds.

And should Watford draw their quarter-final tie against Fulham or Burnley, the replay would be on March 18 when Gillingham are due at Vicarage Road.

All eyes will be on next Tuesday’s weather forecast when Gillingham make a second attempt to play their home game against Norwich, postponed on January 1 owing to a frozen pitch.

A third postponement would leave the club confronting a fixture pile-up while the pitch continues to deteriorate.