Kingstonian said they had no choice to postpone Boxing Day's derby clash with local rivals Sutton United.

But officials at the cash-stricken club are optimistic the disappointment won't prove disastrous financially.

A frozen pitch forced the cancellation of the Ryman Premier Division contest which was expected to attract a bumper crowd to Kingsmeadow.

But chairman Alan Kingston is sure fans of both sides will still flock to the re-arranged game.

He said: "It's disappointing to have not played our local rivals, but there were several games called off on Boxing Day, including Wimbledon's game at Selhurst Park.

"The club could have generated £4,000 to £4,500 from the game.

"It's disappointing but I expect there will be a very good gate when the game is played.

Correct

"Hopefully when the game is played there will be a lot of people coming along to watch the game whether it's midweek, a Saturday or at the end of the season."

Kingstonian secretary Graham Richards said the referee's decision to call off the game was correct.

"He left the decision to the last minute, and we prevented supporters from coming into the ground at 11.20am," he said.

"It was only fair to the players' heath and safety.

"It's a great disappointment because Boxing Day is a traditional time when football is played in this country.

"But there was no-way it could have been played.

"We won't know whether the club has lost money until after the game has been played."

Had the game been scheduled for Thursday, it would probably have gone ahead.

And Ks are very hopeful that tomorrow's game with Basingstoke Town will be played.

"If the weather does not deteriorate there is every chance the game will go ahead," said Richards.

Kingston says fans attending the match will be able to see a Ks side enjoying a new lease of life under the management of Steve Sedgley.

Better

"The side look to be playing for each other, which is a tribute to how well Steve and Kim Harris have done," he said.

"Last season was absolutely dreadful.

"This season we are playing better football and are giving the youngsters a chance.

"That didn't happen last season. Ronnie Green, Greg Ball and Max Hustwick have all impressed since they came into the side.

"We hope that youngsters from all over Surrey are attracted to Kingston.

"This club will give younger players a chance, providing they are good enough."

Steve McKimm is set to follow Adrian Blake in signing for Gravesend from Ks.

The former Hayes midfielder, who joined Ks in the summer, has been on-loan with the Essex side for the past three months.

"The move will happen on January 1," said Richards.

"Gravesend have given us the thumbs up. The indications are they are very happy with Steve.

"I've spoken to their manager Andy Ford and the move is imminent."

December 28, 2001 15:01