Scheduled sport gets frosty reception

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and with it comes the usual round of festive postponements as all but one match fell foul of the freezing weekend weather in West Berkshire.

Goring United’s Oxfordshire FA County Cup fixture against Charlton United Reserves did go ahead despite the sub-zero temperatures and icy conditions.

Both sides braved the cold and acquitted themselves well, the players forced to endure more time exposed to the elements as the game finished 1-1 and went to penalties.

Unfortunately for the visitors, Charlton produced five perfect spot kicks to win 5-4 and progress to the next round, the one consolation for Goring the chance to defrost on the drive home.

Meanwhile, Hungerford Town’s weekend trip to Concord Rangers and Tuesday night game against St Albans were abandoned due to frozen pitches.

Hungerford slipped to the bottom of the National League South table as former boss Bobby Wilkinson’s new side Weymouth thrashed Tonbridge Angels 5-0 on Saturday to leapfrog the Crusaders.

Newbury Blues fixture at home to Regional 2 Tribute South Central league leaders Marlborough likewise fell foul of the weather, although Blues still hosted their annual members’ Christmas lunch.

Elsewhere, Newbury Racecourse announced their decision to abandon Wednesday’s scheduled BetVictor Christmas Raceday due to a frozen track, with train strikes causing additional potential problems for would-be racegoers.

Newbury's final meeting of 2022, Coral Challow Hurdle Day, is scheduled to take place on New Year's Eve with a seven race card.