York City's Division Three game at home to Scunthorpe United was snowed off leaving loan man Justin Walker kicking his heels in frustration.

A heavy fall of snow overnight prompted match referee Mick Fletcher from Kidderminster to call the game off after he held a pitch inspection at Bootham Crescent. With more snow in prospect he ruled there was no chance of the game going ahead.

City groundsman Jez Milner, aided by a dozen-strong team of volunteers spent almost all of yesterday clearing snow from the pitch so that the game would beat the freeze.

But last night's fall left too much volume of snow on the grounds and terracing, explained City chief executive Keith Usher.

"Jez and his team worked tirelessly yesterday, but it's been to no avail as there was a fresh fall last night," said Usher.

"And the forecast is for even more snow so the referee, who had stayed overnight in York, called the game off."

As yet no date has been settled for the re-arranged fixture.

The loss of today's game also proved a blow to Walker, whose two-month loan spell from Cambridge United comes to an end this week. The 28-year-old midfielder was eager to impress to try to earn an even longer stay with the Minstermen.

He told the Evening Press: "I have enjoyed my time since I have been up here.

"I have played in one or two different positions and I feel I have done okay and most of all, it has been good to be back playing and training regularly.

"Obviously it's now a case of sitting down with the manager and seeing whether or not he still wants me but if I had the opportunity, it would be nice to stay a bit longer."

Walker has also been impressed by the potential of the Bootham Crescent ranks even during the current slump in form.

He ventured: "One or two of the results have not gone favourably but they have got the basis of a good team. I have really enjoyed it and I want to thank everyone for making me feel welcome."

Walker's last month at Cambridge had been blighted by a disciplinary issue and with the appeal date finally set for next Thursday, he is hoping the matter will be behind him.

He said: "I'm not particularly nervous about it. It's just something that's happened and you have to get on with it.

"I just want to get it out of the way and over and done with because it's been hanging over my head for a while."

Updated: 10:18 Saturday, February 28, 2004