Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has backed referee Darren Drysdale’s decision to call off Saturday’s League 2 match at Priestfield.

Table-toppers Chesterfield were due to face the Gills but freezing temperatures left parts of the Priestfield pitch unplayable.

“It’s disappointing but it was the right decision by the referee,” said Hessenthaler (pictured).

“Parts of the pitch were fine but parts of the pitch were dangerous. There were parts where players may not have gone in for a tackle because they are wary of the pitch and the game becomes a bit of a mockery. It doesn’t become a proper game.

“With them being top and us in form as well we wanted to see a good game and I don’t think it would have been right. The referee looked at the forecast as well and we have a heavy lot of snow expected around kick off time so if the game had started it may not have finished. In the end I think it was a sensible decision.”

Chesterfield’s team travelled down South on Friday and their assistant manager Tommy Wright also felt it was the right decision.

He said: “It wasn’t safe to go ahead and play as both goalmouths and the far side were a danger to both players and officials. We have to take into consideration the safety of the two teams.

Gillingham's injured players were in getting treatment on Saturday morning but the squad will now be off until Monday.

"If we bring players in it may be a problem for them getting back home," said the Gills boss. "We will give them the weekend off and then we’ll start again on Monday."

The game will be re-arranged later in the week. Gillingham's ticket office, club shop and offices are now closed for the weekened.