Gavin Skelton admits he feels for Carlisle United’s supporters after the trip to Northampton Town was rearranged for three days after the original date.

Assistant manager Skelton said that from a footballing point of view he is delighted Carlisle can quickly get their postponed clash against the Cobblers back on.

But the decision to stage the game next Tuesday, after this Saturday’s frozen pitch cancellation, will make it difficult for some travelling fans to rearrange their own plans at short notice.

“It’s a positive thing it’s been rearranged quickly for both teams. It would otherwise have been a long period – 23 days between games – to have to get back going,” said Skelton.

“The fact some supporters won’t be able to get there is a big negative, especially the ones that like the away days, and the last one before Christmas is a big thing.

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“It’s frustrating for them, and we feel for them – they’ve been a massive part of our positive results away from home, and you’ve seen the difference when we have that support.

“Hopefully we can feel that support when they’re watching or listening.

“The only thing is it would have been on a Tuesday anyway if it had been rearranged for the new year, so it would still have been difficult to get to.

“But once it’s cancelled on a Saturday it’s frustrating and annoying for fans and I totally understand that.”

Carlisle chief executive Nigel Clibbens today said it was felt a quick rescheduling “was the best option” given the forecast for improved weather conditions next week, and the spell without a game already faced by Paul Simpson’s side.

But he said he “understood” that the quick turnaround could make it hard for fans to make the trip to the PTS Academy Stadium.

Skelton said the postponement was not a surprise given the reported low temperatures in Northampton in recent days.

The pitch had been covered for several days but a 10am inspection on Friday ruled the surface unplayable.

“It comes as no surprise,” said Simpson’s No2.

“You still have to prepare as if it’s going to be on, but the early cancellation lets us prepare for Tuesday.

“Looking at the forecast, it was ging to be a big ask to get it on. So I think it’s a really positive step from both clubs and the EFL to get the game on Tuesday.

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“The other positive is it gives us the chance to get everybody back fit, and it gives us a couple more days’ training. We have no complaints and we look forward to Tuesday.”

Skelton said United would train today and tomorrow and then on Monday before making the journey to Northampton.

“Things always change and you have to adapt, no excuses and you get on with it,” he added.