Hundreds of Oxford United fans were left disappointed as yesterday's New Year's Day game at Rushden & Diamonds was called off less than three hours before kick-off.

The late decision to postpone the Division 3 match - because one part of the Nene Park pitch was deemed unplayable - came too late to stop many supporters from travelling.

United's players were more fortunate. They were on the coach waiting to set off from The Kassam Stadium when the news came through.

On paper, it seemed the call-off was "a waste" of a loan game for Carlisle's David Morley and Swansea's Matthew Bound.

But United boss Ian Atkins doesn't look at it that way because he hopes to get both players to sign permanent contracts.

"I don't see it like that because I'm looking to tie both of them up," he said.

"David has been a little bit unlucky to be left out of the last couple of games and Matthew is the type of character we need in the side.

"They were brought in here not just to see what they could do over a month, but for a longer period. It was just that a loan was the best way to do it at the start."

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