COLCHESTER Hockey Club’s men’s first team missed out on the chance to boost their survival hopes after their game at fellow strugglers Brentwood was abandoned.

The East Men’s League division one clash was called after just five minutes, because of a frozen pitch.

Colchester, who lie second from bottom in the table, play their final game before the Christmas break when they host leaders Spalding this weekend.

Colchester skipper Richard Sexton said: “Spalding are top of the league and it’ll be a tough game but it would be nice to end the year on a high.

“It’s been a difficult season for us so far in terms of results but we’ve been unfortunate with injuries and it’s a strong league.

“We’ve been staying in games and the break will give us a chance to reflect on what we’ve done and look forward to the second half of the season.”