Ipswich's home Championship clash with Middlesbrough was abandoned after 37 minutes because of a frozen pitch, with the game still goalless.

The surface, which had been protected for eight days, had earlier passed two inspections on Saturday, including one at 1345 GMT.

But referee Dean Whitestone took the decision to halt proceedings just before the interval.

Ipswich came closest to a goal when Daryl Murphy's shot hit the bar.

However, the pitch contributed to a match which was anything but a classic before referee Whitestone signalled for the players to leave the field following discussions with both benches, a decision which was greeted by a chorus of boos from supporters.

Lineup, Bookings (0) & Substitutions (1)

Ipswich

  • 12 Lee-Barrett
  • 03 Cresswell
  • 07 Edwards
  • 20 Smith
  • 31 Sonko (Delaney - 32' )
  • 09 Emmanuel-Thomas
  • 17 Drury
  • 19 Hyam
  • 27 Murphy
  • 10 Chopra
  • 11 Martin

Substitutes

  • 32 McCarthy
  • 05 Delaney
  • 06 Leadbitter
  • 21 Bullard
  • 14 Scotland

Middlesbrough

  • 01 Steele
  • 02 Hoyte
  • 03 Bennett
  • 14 Williams
  • 15 Hines
  • 08 Thomson
  • 18 Arca
  • 29 McMahon
  • 09 Emnes
  • 25 Main
  • 30 Jutkiewicz

Substitutes

  • 31 Ripley
  • 19 Halliday
  • 33 Smallwood
  • 16 Ogbeche
  • 20 Williams
Ref: Whitestone

Match Stats

Shots

3 1

On target

0 0

Corners

3 1

Fouls

3 1

Live Text Commentary

39:33

The match is abandoned.

34:37

Corner crossed in by Andy Drury, clearance made by Rhys Williams.

34:30

The ball is swung over by Daryl Murphy, Seb Hines gets a block in.

33:26

Joe Bennett sends in a cross.

31:41 Substitution

Substitution (Ipswich) makes a substitution, with Damien Delaney coming on for Ibrahima Sonko.

25:42

A cross is delivered by Aaron Cresswell, free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Tony McMahon by Luke Hyam. Free kick taken by Jason Steele.

24:39

Corner taken by Tony McMahon from the left by-line, save made by Arran Lee-Barrett.

24:32

The ball is swung over by Joe Bennett, Ibrahima Sonko manages to make a clearance.

21:06

Michael Chopra challenges Rhys Williams unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Jason Steele.

20:18

Aaron Cresswell delivers the ball, Daryl Murphy takes a shot. Seb Hines manages to make a clearance.

19:46

Andy Drury decides to take a short corner.

19:17

Kevin Thomson is adjudged to have handled the ball. Carlos Edwards restarts play with the free kick.

17:44

Lukas Jutkiewicz has an effort at goal from outside the box which goes wide right of the goal.

14:19

Corner taken right-footed by Andy Drury from the right by-line, Shot from outside the penalty box by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas goes wide right of the goal.

13:35

The assistant referee flags for offside against Marvin Emnes. Carlos Edwards takes the direct free kick.

9:53

Michael Chopra is caught offside. Direct free kick taken by Rhys Williams.

8:45

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Joe Bennett by Michael Chopra. Free kick taken by Rhys Williams.

7:07

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas crosses the ball, Close range headed effort by Daryl Murphy clears the crossbar.

6:23

Rhys Williams gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Lee Martin. Aaron Cresswell restarts play with the free kick.

1:39

The ball is sent over by Andy Drury, Seb Hines makes a clearance.

0:44

A cross is delivered by Tony McMahon.

0:33

Aaron Cresswell produces a cross, Jason Steele makes a save.

0:00

The game kicks-off.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association