Ebbsfleet’s live televised clash with Blue Square Premier leaders Burton was abandoned after heavy snow fell on the Stonebridge Road pitch during Thursday night’s game.

Referee Steve Creighton called a halt to proceedings on 64 minutes when he and his linesman were no longer able to see the lines on the pitch.

It was a bitter blow for Ebbsfleet who were leading 1-0 at the time through Jamie Hand’s superb fourth minute volley in front of the Setanta Sports cameras.

Frustrated Fleet boss Liam Daish said they had to take the decision on the chin, but was disappointed they couldn’t get the lines on the pitch cleared.

“I think if we had the lines cleared properly, and we had been ready to clear them, then the game might have carried on.

“As linesmen they need to see the lines and I think we could have done that better which is what I am disappointed about.

“The players are gutted because they did their jobs, and they worked very hard, but it wasn’t to be.”

Mr Creighton said the conditions deteriorated considerably during the game and he was left with no choice but to bring it to an early end.

He said: “We tried to give it every chance and had the lines swept again at half-time.

“I spoke to my colleagues once during the game and when we stopped it. They couldn’t see the lines at all and I couldn’t see them either.

“Without the lines you couldn’t see a thing. The conditions got worse and worse and we just couldn’t see the pitch. If we can’t see the pitch we can’t make decisions.

“It was a very difficult decision, but the conditions became farcical. Although you never want to do it, it was the right decision.”

Burton boss Roy McFarland admitted he felt sympathy towards Ebbsfleet, but said the correct decision had been made.

“We feel sorry for Ebbsfleet and delighted for ourselves," he said. “The conditions weren’t good for us and we were finding it hard to play football.

“We’ve got off (the hook), and we know that, but when you look and the pitch I genuinely do feel that the referee made the right decision.”