Dunfermline Athletic have hit out at "limited additional time" to prepare for today's trip to Ayr United which they say has "compromised" the welfare of their players.

James McPake's team endured an arduous journey of more than five hours, with one squad member also being involved in a minor road accident, to get to Somerset Park due to Storm Bert.

Weather warnings were put in place for snow and ice across the country, with significant travel disruption caused by the adverse conditions.

Earlier, the Queensferry Crossing was closed in both directions, with traffic diverted on to the Forth Road Bridge, due to falling ice, whilst traffic on the M8 at junction three, near Livingston, was "moving extremely slow" after "several vehicles" lost traction in the snow.

READ MORE: Pars advise fans against travelling to Ayr clash

The Dunfermline team's journey to Ayrshire was severely impacted by the issues on the roads, and kick off was delayed until 3.45pm.

However, the Pars have released a statement, in which they have criticised the new start time.

"#DAFC are extremely disappointed at the very limited additional time available to prepare for this afternoon's William Hill Championship fixture," they said.

"Our team and staff have endured a horrendous journey down to Ayrshire to fulfil our fixture, traveling for over five hours. A number of our players also struggled through awful conditions to get to team bus, including one who was involved in a minor road crash. Furthermore, the club had already advised supporters not to travel due to conditions along with Police warnings across the central belt.

"As the travel plans caused so much disruption, DAFC requested further time to ensure players could have time for nutrition and subsequent digestion along with adequate time for mental and physical preparation for the match. An extra 45 minutes was defined as adequate - something which the club disagrees strongly on.

"We believe that our players' welfare is compromised by this decision.

"Finally we would like to thanks all supporters backing the club at Somerset Park and from home this afternoon and wish those returning from Ayr a safe journey home."

Dunfermline's match is one of only two outwith the Premiership taking place in the SPFL this afternoon, with the other, Montrose versus Annan Athletic in League One, delayed until 5pm.

READ MORE: Kelty Hearts match called off as Storm Bert hits football card

Earlier, the Pars advised fans against making the trip due to the adverse weather conditions, whilst Drew Main, the club's supporter liaison officer, posted on social media that it was "ridiculous this game is even going ahead".

The game is currently goalless with over half-an-hour played.