Referee and groundsman back decision to postpone Mansfield Town v Swindon Town

Referee Dave Plowright says he had no choice in his decision to postpone Mansfield Town's scheduled clash with Swindon Town.
By stephen thirkill
Published 29th Feb 2020, 10:55 BST
Updated 3rd Mar 2020, 15:59 BST
The Mansfield Town pitch has been left unplayable by the heavy rain.The Mansfield Town pitch has been left unplayable by the heavy rain.
The Mansfield Town pitch has been left unplayable by the heavy rain.

The game was postponed Saturday morning following heavy rain in the area through the week.

"Because of the amount of rain we have had over the last 48 - 72 hours, there is water standing everywhere and it is a danger to players," he said

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"The ball won't move and I can't believe how much rain there is on the field of play.

"The ground staff tried their best, but the water table is so high there is nowhere for the water to go, it wont drain quick enough.

"Both clubs agreed it would make the game a farce and be a danger to players, it is not playable and is one of those things."

Head groundsman Mike Merriman backed the decision, saying: "The pitch is full of water and it can't take any more.

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"The decision is the right call. There was not a lot we could do in the week with the rain we have had.

"We put the covers on, but other than that we have had to leave it alone and it has not gone our way.

"It has been the hardest season for the pitch I have ever known, it's been shocking.

"Groundsman all over the country are in the same boat, it's been a nightmare with the amount of rain we have had over the last year or two.

"We will leave the pitch alone, hope we get some dry weather and then bring a machine in."