Gridlock causes Pools postponement

At least their poor early-season record didn't get any worse.

Hartlepool United's League One game at Leyton Orient was called off 25 minutes after the scheduled start with the Pools team coach stuck fast in traffic after a serious accident.

Pools had stayed overnight just 20 miniutes away from the ground and had left their hotel two hours and 20 minutes before the 3.0 p.m. kick-off.

But the accident meant that the M11 route they took was gridlocked and match offocials had no choice but to call the game off.

Travelling teams have often been fined for failing to turn upo for a game on time, but it's difficult to see what more Pools could have done to ensure their prompt arrival at Brisbane Road.