Spennymoor’s FA Trophy quarter final replay against Bromley was postponed tonight less than 90 minutes before kick off because of a waterlogged pitch.

The Brewery Field surface was passed fit at 8.30 on the morning of the game by a local referee, and so Bromley were advised to travel up from London, which they did by train.

But match referee Carl Evans inspected the pitch as soon as he arrived at 6.15, and postponed the game.

Spennymoor official Steve Lawson said; “We gave Bromley the information about the pitch, and they travelled up. The pitch improved during the day, but it hadn’t improved significantly in one particular area near the 18 yard box at the bottom end of the ground. There was no standing water, but parts of that area were quite splodgy.

“Provisionally, we are looking at re-arranging the game for Tuesday next week. We must apologise for the inconvenience to everyone from both clubs.”

Moors manager Jason Ainsley said; “I’m disappointed for everyone concerned, especially those who had worked very hard to get the pitch ready. Ultimately though, I think the referee made the correct decision.”

Bromley’s expenses for the trip are reckoned to be around £8,000, as they planned an overnight stay in a hotel before travelling back to London on Wednesday morning.