DUNFERMLINE'S match with Falkirk this afternoon has been called off.

The playing surface at KDM Group East End Park has failed a midday pitch inspection and the fixture has been postponed.

Overnight temperatures resulted in frosty conditions across West Fife, and concerns over whether the pitch was playable resulted in an inspection being called.

After the match referee carried it out, however, it was deemed that the surface was frozen, resulting in the game being called off.

The club said that they had tested their undersoil heating system in the run-up to the fixture but, ahead of using it to ensure the pitch was playable, it developed a fault in its boiler, which Athletic said they were unable to fix.

In a statement, Athletic said: "Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic was hugely disappointed with today`s postponement due to a frozen pitch ahead of what was one of the most anticipated games in Scotland this afternoon.

"Ahead of the fixture our undersoil heating was tested numerous times during December, however following a failure within the boiler of the under soil heating system on the morning of December 31st it proved unable to fix.

"Despite the best efforts of the ground staff this morning the pitch failed a 12 noon inspection.

"The club would like to apologise to all supporters for any inconvenience caused and will communicate the rearranged fixture details in due course."

A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course, with the club adding that tickets bought would be valid, while any fan who can't attend the rearranged date will be able to apply for a refund.

The Pars were going into it sitting top of League One, four points clear of second placed FC Edinburgh, who they play this Saturday, and seven points ahead of third-placed Falkirk.

A 1-1 draw between the teams in September was followed by a 1-0 win for Athletic at the Falkirk Stadium in November, thanks to Craig Wighton's winning goal.