Leyton Orient's chief executive Matt Porter admitted it was a frustrating afternoon

Re-arranged game won’t take place for at least a month

Orient’s re-arranged game with Hartlepool United is unlikely to take place until late September or early October.

The game was called off as the Hartlepool team coach was stuck in traffic and couldn’t make it to the ground.

“It was a frustrating afternoon and it’s something that has never happened at Orient before,” said Porter.

A fatal accident on the A406 caused severe traffic delays around the area and with the Hartlepool team coach still stuck at 3.20pm, match referee Brendan Malone decided to call the game off.

“The Football League said we had to kick-off by 4pm,” said Porter. “Hartlepool would have needed 40 minutes once they had arrived, but at 3.20pm there was no immediate prospect of them getting here.

“It was disappointing for the players as they were raring to go and wanted to get some points on the board.

“It was disappointing for our fans, because they wanted to see a game and disappointing for the Hartlepool supporters after making such a long journey.”

No date has yet been set for the game to be rescheduled, but Porter said: “It’s likely to be late September or early October.”

Around 1,800 fans were in the ground when the game was called off and Porter added: “Those who made it will be able to use their tickets again or get a refund.”

Fortunately, the club will not be hit too hard financially: “We sold the programmes and the hospitality food was eaten,” said Porter.

“The Football League has asked for a report, but it was one of those things. Hartlepool left their hotel at the wrong time. It’s such an unusual situation.”