#OnThisBoroDay 2012: Boro's game with Ipswich is abandoned after 37 minutes

Ipswich is a long way to go to watch a game of football, never mind to only get to see 37 minutes.

So it was understandable that the travelling Teessiders at Portman Road were left frustrated when Boro’s game with the Tractor Boys was abandoned in the first half on this day in 2012.

But the referee had no choice. In truth, the game should never have kicked off in the first place.

With overnight temperatures dipping as low as -13C in arctic East Anglia and not expected to rise above freezing all day, the chances of the Portman Road pitch thawing out were slim.

But the hosts had done everything possible for the game to get the green light.

It’s not too often an away team will arrive at a ground to be greeted by a huge hot air balloon suffocating the pitch. But the heat-protected bubble was Ipswich’s way of trying to ease out the rock solid pitch and get the green light for a game of Championship football.

Game on but not for too long.

Tony Mowbray at Ipswich ahead of the game in 2012 which was abandoned after 37 minutes

A chorus of boos met Dean Whitestone’s decision following lengthy discussions with both managers and the fourth official shortly before the break. But the fact the linesman was forced to run inside the touchline due to the state of the turf told the story.

“In the end, it was probably the right decision to call it off,” admitted Mogga.

“It’s easy to say with hindsight that it shouldn’t have started because we haven’t got it finished.

“Most of the players were happy and the middle of the pitch seemed fine.”

“As the sun went behind the stand the pitch began to crisp up.

“Was it the right decision? I think ultimately it was.”

Mogga’s opposite number Paul Jewell was frustrated but reluctantly admitted an early finish was the only option.

“When it becomes dangerous, it becomes a bit of a farce,” he said.

“As the game went on, the pitch became unplayable.”

For the record, it was goalless when the referee called an end to proceedings.

But there’s no doubt Boro benefited more from the abandonment having spent the majority of the first period camped in their own half.

And they looked set to grab a rare victory at Portman Road when the teams went at it again the following month.

Lukas Jutkiewicz put Boro ahead until a soon-to-be familiar face in Grant Leadbitter grabbed a leveller to ensure the spoils were shared.