Referee Kenny Clark called off the St Johnstone versus Hibernian game at McDiarmid Park after a heavy fall of snow which made visibility poor and the pitch virtually unplayable.

With the scores 0-0, with Hibs slightly having the better of the first half, Clark and his assistant had a half-time pitch inspection.

Much to the annoyance of the 5,076 fans inside the ground, Clark decided to abandon the game.

A heavy snowfall before the game had threatened to prevent it even starting but after two pitch inspections the game was eventually given the go-ahead.

First to threaten was Miguel Simao who took on Hibs defender Mathias Jack and easily beat him for pace down the right-hand wing.

But the Saints striker knocked the ball too far in front and it went out harmlessly for a goal kick.

Saints started slightly the better and nearly took the lead in the ninth minute when John Paul McBride's corner was met by Gary Bollan from around 12 yards out.

But although the Saints defender's header was good, Hibs keeper Nicky Colgan was in a good position to save.

The home side seemed to be that bit sharper and more able to cope with the slippery conditions and forced several corners in quick succession.

But Hibs held firm and John Hughes in defence was inspirational in clearing any potential danger.

Gradually the Edinburgh side worked their way into the game and began to pose some problems for the Perth side.

St Johnstone were employing dangerous offside tactics and only some kind decisions from the assistant referee on the main stand side denied the visitors good goalscoring opportunities.

Hibs striker Kenny Miller in particular, was the victim of some dubious decisions as the home defence traded on their luck.

In the 24th minute Hibs nearly made the breakthrough. Midfielder Paul Hartley made a great run from the halfway line, outstripping four Saints players before finding himself with only keeper Main to beat.

But Main was equal to Hartley's shot pushing the ball away which allowed Jim Weir to clear the danger.

Once again the snow began to fall heavily and conditions became even more difficult for the players.

Hibs defender Derek Collins was still able to deliver a slide-rule pass to Miller but the young Hibs forward hesitated and Main blocked.

With five minutes of the first half remaining Miller once again had a good chance when a clever Grant Brebner pass sent him clean through on goal.

But once again Miller showed a lack of conviction and his attempted lob was easily saved by Main.

Miller has attracted a lot of attention in recent weeks but the youngster looked strangely subdued although conditions may have played their part.

During the interval, with conditions deteriorating, referee Clark had another pitch inspection and decided to abandon the match.

The players and fans will have to go through it all again at a later date although Saints manager Sandy Clark revealed that prices will be cut.

Hibs manager Alex McLeish said: "I think there were visibility problems as well. It seemed to be common sense, the ref's also under pressure in case someone gets an injury out there. So fair play to Kenny Clark."

St Johnstone manager Clark had some good news for the fans who will attend a re-arranged fixture.

He said: "The replayed game will be a fiver for adults and £1 for kids, to compensate people a little bit for today.

"Unfortunately we can't do much about the weather, I don't think the ref had any option.

"The fear was injuries to players which we're always worried about. I'm disappointed from our point of view, we thought we'd played well."

The re-arranged fixture will be Tuesday, 22 February with a 7.45pm kick off.

Teams:

St Johnstone: Main, Frail, Griffin, Weir, Bollan, O'Halloran, Kane, McBride, O'Neil, Lowndes, Simao.

Subs Not Used: Ferguson, Connolly, Dods, McMahon, Lauchlan.

Booked: Lowndes.

Hibernian: Colgan, Collins, Hughes, Jack, Smith, Hartley, Sauzee, Brebner, Murray, Miller, Paatelainen.

Subs Not Used: Gottskalksson, Lovell, Lehmann, Jean, Dennis.

Abandoned at H-T due to snow

Att: 5,057

Ref: Kenny Clark (Scotland).