Pat Rayment was left bewildered by the decision to call off Spalding United’s Evo-Stik League First Division South game at Gresley on Saturday.
The Tulips made the 160-mile round trip to Derbyshire amid no concerns that the clash would be postponed.
However, the three officials then deemed the pitch waterlogged following a very late 2.15pm inspection – leaving both sides fuming.
Rayment revealed that both teams and the home groundsman had no concerns whatsoever regarding the state of the pitch – and didn’t hold back in his criticism of the three match officials.
“It was an absolutely pathetic decision,” bemoaned the Spalding supremo. “Both clubs wanted to play and Gresley’s groundsman said the pitch was in a better condition than the previous match they played against Mickleover on New Year’s Day.
“If that pitch wasn’t playable, then I don’t know what winter pitch at this level would be. It was absolutely fine.
“We’ve got no issue with Gresley at all, they wanted to play as much as we did.
“Unfortunately, the referee and his two assistants didn’t fancy it.
“They claimed it wasn’t safe for the players, but that’s utter nonsense.
“They just didn’t want to do the game, simple as that. It’s a big problem in my opinion, as the officials aren’t accountable and will have got paid for the match regardless.
“I don’t think those three should ever be allowed to perform a pitch inspection again – I feel that strongly about it.
“It’s alright for them, but we’ve now got a three-hour midweek trip to Derbyshire to fit into our already busy schedule later in the season.
“If you’re going to be successful as a team, you’ll have to play a lot of games.
“But this is one that we really don’t need midweek.”
Spalding are back in action tonight (Tuesday) against Evo-Stik League Premier Division outfit Barwell in the Doodson Sport Cup at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field (7.45pm).
Rayment admits that he had planned to rotate his squad for the third round clash, but will now reassess his plans after Saturday’s washout.
He added: “The plan was to give some of the lads that didn’t get a game against Gresley a start against Barwell. Obviously Saturday messed with my plans, so we’ll have to see.
“I don’t see the Doodson Cup as a distraction from our league games. We want to be playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday every week.
“I feel we’re a better side when we get into that kind of rhythm – and being in this competition will help.
“Barwell will be a test, but one that we’re relishing.”
Follow @Andrew_Clucas on Twitter for live updates from the tie.
