Albion may start covering the Withdean pitch after last night's promotion clash against Reading was frozen off.

But the cost of protecting the playing surface could put the Seagulls off.

Portable covers were used before last Saturday's FA Cup tie against Rushden and Diamonds.

They were provided free of charge through competition sponsors AXA.

Martin Perry, Albion's chief executive, revealed: "If this is going to be a problem then we are going to have to consider it.

"Clearly there would be a significant cost involved. You have got to bring the covers down, lay them out and take them away again.

"Withdean is a cold spot, generally two or three degrees cooler at pitch level than in the surrounding area. Unfortunately the trees also prevent the sun at this time of year from time getting onto the pitch."

Last night's long-awaited showdown was postponed by Lewes ref Steve Tomlin following a 2.30pm inspection, just before Reading were due to travel.

Perry said: "The pitch was very hard when I saw it at 10.30 in the morning, which is why I called in a referee.

"When he looked at it at one o'clock the condition hadn't changed and at 2.30 he called it off.

"It is, in fact, the first game we have lost through a frozen pitch. We were all very disappointed, but even though it was a big game and everyone was willing it to go ahead player safety has to take priority.

"It was absolutely the right decision. At 2.30 there was still frost lying on the surface."

Albion must now rearrange the Reading game and the visit of Tranmere, which is replaced on January 5 by the FA Cup third round tie against Preston.

The home fixture against Cardiff has been brought forward 48 hours to Thursday January 31 following consultations with the Welsh club and the Football League.

Albion were training at 1pm today. They will still be top tonight unless second-placed Stoke beat Wycombe Wanderers by three clear goals.

Brentford, another of the promotion chasers, are at home to Wrexham.