GILLINGHAM'S League 1 match with Brighton at the Withdean Stadium was postponed on Friday night.

Referee Mike Thorpe made the decision following a 6pm pitch inspection due to a frozen pitch and dropping air temperatures.

The pitch had passed an inspection earlier, but the conditions got worse.

Thorpe told Brighton's official website: "Conditions have deteriorated considerably and the temperature dropped to freezing point again.

"The pitch is unsafe and the players' safety is of paramount importance. Also the stands have become very slippery."

A statement on the Gills website said: "Gillingham FC would like to apologise to the fans who have taken time out of their day to travel down and support the team, but unfortunately the matter is out of our hands."

A new date for the fixture has yet to be announced.