ANGRY David Hodgson believes Saturday's postponement was down to "sheer negligence" and could have been prevented, had the correct measures been taken.

It is estimated that Darlington have lost up to £40,000 in revenue after the League Two clash with Grimsby was called off due to a frozen pitch. The 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena was built with undersoil heating, but due to costs, has never been connected.

Referee Neil Swarbrick inspected the pitch at noon on Saturday and deemed the surface unplayable.

But, it was the manner in which the game was called off, which infuriated Hodgson.

Groundsman Andrew Thompson was unable to enlist enough help in covering the pitch on Friday evening, leaving the whole surface exposed to the freezing elements overnight.

"It's just sheer negligence," fumed Hodgson. "The necessary steps weren't taken and as a result we have lost out on a lot of revenue.

"It takes around eight bodies to put covers on the pitch, but by the time Thommo spoke to Mick (Tait), the youth lads had already left.

"Neither myself nor the chairman were informed about the situation. If I'd have known this wouldn't have happened."

Hodgson was also disappointed Quakers were denied the opportunity to build on the 3-0 win at Stockport seven days earlier.

"On the back of a victory last week the lads were looking forward to this one," said Hodgson.

"All we can do now is re-adjust for the Carlisle game on Boxing Day, where hopefully we will still have that confident momentum going."

Ironically, both Darlington and Grimsby were able to train on the pitch on Saturday afternoon.

Despite the late timing of the abandonment, Grimsby boss Russell Slade had few qualms.

Grimsby remain second in League Two and Slade admitted: "It was the right decision. It was frozen solid in places and would have been dangerous.

"It is disappointing to prepare and travel all this way."

The game will be rearranged for the New Year, although no new date has yet been set.

Hodgson, meanwhile, revealed contract talks with those whose deals expire at the end of the month will not take place until after a hectic Christmas period.

Quakers face Carlisle, Barnet and Lincoln in the space of six days.

Shelton Martis, Adrian Webster, Clark Keltie, Phil Stamp, Anthony Peacock, Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu and Carlos Logan are all out of contract at the end of December.

"We have some crucial games coming up and I will be addressing the situation nearer the time," said Hodgson.