DAVID HODGSON'S hopes of adding to his squad before tonight's transfer deadline were yesterday thwarted by a frozen pitch.

Hodgson had arranged a behind-closed-doors friendly with Scunthorpe at the 96.6 TFM Arena to assess five trialists. But, after heavy frost on Sunday night the game was postponed, despite Hodgson's best efforts to find an alternative venue.

Middlesbrough were willing to offer their indoor facilities at their Rockliffe Park training headquarters in nearby Hurworth, but permission was refused by the Football League.

Now, Hodgson has only hours until the transfer window closes before deciding whether or not to make any additions to his squad.

South African striker Dale Studzinski and a Portuguese defender are the only trialists under contract to other clubs, meaning Hodgson will have to make a decision on the pair today.

However, the other three are free agents and can join Quakers at any time.

Australian midfielder Chris Triantis has impressed since linking up with the club last week, while the other two - a central defender and a striker, both from overseas - will take part in a practice match this afternoon.

"It's disappointing, but unfortunately something we can have no control over," said assistant manager Mark Proctor.

"All we can do now is arrange another game and hopefully, if the weather is good to us, we can have a good look at the trialists on Tuesday."

With another week for loan transfers, Quakers could still have the option of signing Studzinski and the Portuguese defender on a temporary basis.

"It's not all doom and gloom because we still have another week if we want to bring in a player on loan," said Proctor. "It's a strange rule, but I suppose it does give us a bit more time if we want anyone else."

The Quakers No.2 has denied any interest in Boston's Alan White.

* Peterborough striker Trevor Benjamin has joined League One side Swindon on loan until the end of the season.

The former Leicester City and Crystal Palace forward was believed to be one of the biggest earners at London Road, but he has started just seven matches for Posh this season and was loaned out to Watford earlier in the campaign.

He is available to go straight into the Swindon squad to face Walsall tonight.

Read more about the Quakers here.