Leyton Orient P-P Bristol City

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Leyton Orient's Matchroom StadiumImage source, Getty Images

League One high-flyers Leyton Orient's New Year's Day clash with Bristol City has been postponed because of structural damage at Brisbane Road.

The floodlights were damaged by bad weather over Christmas and require repair work before the stadium is safe for public use.

Orient are second in the table after they came from behind to earn a point at third-placed Wolves on Sunday.

City are 21st, having won back-to-back games for the first time since January.

O's chief executive Matt Porter told the club website: "This is a serious health and safety issue which we are unable to resolve in time.

"The recent high winds have caused damage to a floodlight pylon with a bulb and socket being blown down to the ground.

"We spent all day on Tuesday trying to get the required high access equipment hired in and source a qualified contractor to come in and make the repairs, but the time of year and adverse weather prevented us from being able to do so."

Robins boss Steve Cotterill, who led his side to wins over Walsall and Stevenage during the Christmas period, added: "I'm really disappointed that the game has been called off.

"We're in good form and, on the back of the recent successes at Ashton Gate, everyone was looking forward to the match."