Leeds United chairman Ken Bates was quick to praise the Elland Road ground and stadium staff for ensuring the Boxing Day clash with Hartlepool United went ahead.

Over 30,000 turned out to see Leeds move six points clear at the top of League One, following a 3-1 win against Hartlepool, and the chairman was quick to praise the club's unsung heroes.

While a host of games were called off around the country, for both frozen pitches and unsafe areas around the stadium, the Elland Road staff worked throughout Christmas to ensure the annual Boxing Day clash went ahead.

"The groundstaff and stadium staff deserve a real round of applause," he said.

"They were in on Christmas Day and again at 6am on Boxing Day and they worked jolly hard.

"We had a gritter in on Christmas Day to work on the surrounds of the stadium and again on Boxing Day morning.

"In addition to that, the groundstaff were also at Thorp Arch earlier in the week ensuring the players could train and prepare properly on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

"I'd like to give a big thanks to them for all their hard work."