AFC WIMBLEDON thanked Newcastle United for their "swift action" and agreeing to host the rearranged Carabao Cup third round tie after an "immensely difficult day" for the League Two club.

The Dons were forced to postpone tonight's cup clash against the Magpies after significant flooding caused a sinkhole in the Plough Lane pitch - with other areas of the ground also badly affected.

Talks between Newcastle, Wimbledon and the EFL took place throughout the day on Monday before confirmation that the rearranged tie would take place at St James' Park next Tuesday, October 1.

The Cherry Red Records Stadium remains closed and Wimbledon say there's "no possibility" Saturday's scheduled League Two home game against Accrington can take place. Johnnie Jackson's side were due to be hosting Crewe in the league next Tuesday night but that game has been rescheduled to allow the Newcastle cup tie to take place.

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“Staff encountered significant flooding of the ground level of the stadium, affecting our offices, the shop and museum, reception areas, lifts, and tunnel area, as well as all concourse areas at ground level,” said Wimbledon in a lengthy club statement.

“This afternoon (Monday), several independent contractors have visited the site and conducted surface level investigations. More investigations are required in the coming days in order to plan for repair works to the pitch as a priority, and we are in regular contact with our insurers.

“Earlier, we postponed the Newcastle United game, and thanks to them and the EFL for their swift action and agreement to reverse the fixture. As a result, our match against Crewe Alexandra also needed to be postponed.

“We are still trying to find a solution for this Saturday’s match, although there is no possibility that this can be at our stadium."

Wimbledon thanked the wider football community for the support shown.

“We have overcome many setbacks by working together and this one will be no different,” the statement added.

“We genuinely appreciate all the messages of support and offers from volunteers and members to help us fix the damage.

“We ask for some patience whilst we complete our investigations and formulate our plans before getting to work. We will advise further what supporters can do to help us soon; thank you.”

A JustGiving site has been set up to support with Wimbledon, with £33,000 raised in the first 24 hours.