Carlisle United versus Barrow AFC is OFF.

A pitch inspection has ruled that the surface at Brunton Park is unplayable.

It follows several days of plummeting temperatures in Carlisle.

United had covered the pitch from an early stage this week and had said on Thursday that the covers appeared to be winning the battle against the elements.

But another sub-zero night has rendered the pitch unplayable - with little prospect of a thaw before Saturday afternoon.

It means the all-Cumbrian League Two game must now be rearranged.

A Carlisle United statement said: "We can confirm that the weekend game against Barrow has been postponed following a pitch inspection by match referee Andrew Kitchen this morning.

"The playing surface was covered on Tuesday afternoon, with sheets that protect down to -5, but the predicted prolonged cold spell brought temperatures which were lower than forecast, making the pitch unplayable.

"And with temperatures set to remain on or below zero over the coming weekend, it was agreed that there would be little or no improvement ahead of Saturday’s kick off time of 1pm.

"We’ll have details of the new fixture date as soon as it has been agreed."

A midweek rearrangement now seems likely for the first Cumbrian derby of the league season.

Both clubs will hope to return to action next Saturday - something which is again likely to be weather-dependent.

Carlisle are away to Northampton Town, while Barrow are at home to Swindon Town.

Overnight temperatures in both Northampton and Barrow are forecast to remain below zero for much of next week.

Other EFL games have also been called off because of the weather this weekend, with Crewe Alexandra v Leyton Orient off in League Two, and Accrington Stanley v Portsmouth postponed in League One.