Carlisle United move Hartlepool game after flooding

Carlisle United have postponed a second game due to the flooding of their Brunton Park ground caused by Storm Desmond.

Hartlepool's Sky Bet League Two match, originally scheduled to take place on Saturday December 28, has been moved to Tuesday February 23.

Carlisle's game against Notts County on December 19 has already been switched to Preston North End's Deepdale ground.

The unprecedented flooding in Cumbria last weekend left Brunton Park severely damaged. Staff at Carlisle have made every attempt to find a solution which would allow the fixture to go ahead but a number of factors outside of the club's control meant it was impossible.

"Our admin staff have explored every avenue available and have become extremely frustrated that we could not get this fixture to go ahead," said John Nixon, the Cumbrians' director of external affairs.

"We consulted a number of clubs about hosting the match but, due to a range of factors, unfortunately we could not find a suitable venue that also meets safety needs.

"Consequently, we have had to take the least favourable option of postponing the fixture until February."

Hartlepool chief executive Russ Green said: "We would like to thank Carlisle United for the efforts made in trying to allow this fixture to go ahead and for keeping us up to date throughout the process.

"We know they tried everything in their power to try and get things organised that would be suitable for both clubs and both sets of fans.

"The events in Cumbria bring football into perspective and we would like to pass on our best wishes to everyone affected by the flooding."