Livi blow as Dons clash is frozen off
minus five left the pitch rock solid. Ref McLean wasn’t convinced icy areas on it were safe enough to start the game.
Martindale was disappointed by the call-off, having even drafted in his young daughter to help with the huge operation to get it on.
He said: “I’m a wee bit gutted because we’ve been working on the pitch since about 9am yesterday, myself and wee Derek White and a couple of the other boys.
“We all muck in together here but I was in, my eight-year-old daughter was helping us last night as well. We had contractors until 1.45am this morning and back in at 7.30am.
“We kept in contact with Aberdeen and they were happy to travel knowing the game could be put off.
“There’s been a massive improvement on the park but I think about five or 10 per cent the referee felt wasn’t safe. And, to be honest, I’ve got to agree with him.”
A Livingston spokesperson said: “Despite the very best efforts of all the club staff over the last 36 or so hours, today’s game with Aberdeen has fallen victim of the freezing conditions and has been postponed. We’ll announce the rescheduled date once confirmed.”
Aberdeen had already travelled and were content to give it as long as possible for the pitch to thaw as there were no concerns over away fans piling down amid the Covid shutout.
But they were left frustrated at losing another fixture.
Derek McInnes’ men will turn their attention to the clash with Dundee United on Saturday and Scott Wright, who has been out injured since the start of last month, could be back.
Dylan McGeouch and Greg Leigh are also on track to return next month but seeing playmaker Wright come back this weekend would be a boost.
McInnes said: “He’s got a chance, which is brilliant news. He was out on the pitch on Tuesday, running with the physio, stepping up his work.
“All being well, if Scott has another good day tomorrow with the physios, the intention is for him to join in on full training. If he trains Thursday and Friday he can be part of our squad.
“It would be a huge boost as we’ve been stretched for numbers, so to be able to bolster the options would be great. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring in terms of injuries and suspensions so anyone who can bolster the numbers for the United game will be great.”