A wave of Arctic weather sweeping across the United Kingdom has once again played havoc with the football schedule, forcing another round of postponements for several Bermudian internationals playing in the English lower leagues.
The persistent cold snap, which has seen temperatures plunge well below freezing over the weekend and into the new week, left referees with little choice but to call off matches due to unplayable, frozen surfaces. Pitch inspections carried out early on Tuesday morning confirmed that many grounds in the National League and Isthmian tiers remained unsafe for play, despite the widespread use of frost covers.
Among those affected is Kane Crichlow, whose Chelmsford City fixture was one of many to fall victim to the icy conditions. Similar frustrations were felt by Justin Donawa, Keziah Martin and their Hereford FC teammates, as the "Big Freeze" continues to stall the momentum of the winter campaign.
The decision to postpone matches is rarely taken lightly, but with player safety the primary concern and little sign of a significant thaw in the immediate forecast, league officials have prioritised the welfare of athletes and travelling supporters.
While in League One—where Nahki Wells continues his campaign with Luton Town—and the Championship largely benefit from undersoil heating, the financial constraints of the lower tiers mean many clubs are at the mercy of the elements.
Rearranged dates for the affected fixtures are expected to be announced in due course as clubs scramble to fit the missed games into an already congested spring schedule. For now, Bermuda’s overseas professionals remain in a holding pattern, trading the match-day grass for the indoor gym until the UK's winter grip finally loosens.
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