March Town release statement following late postponement of FA Vase tie against Daventry Town

March Town have released a statement after receiving criticism on social media following the late postponement of their home FA Vase clash against Daventry Town.

The fourth-round tie was called off an hour before kick-off on Saturday after match referee Thomas Kelly at the GER deemed areas of the pitch “unplayable”.

Both sets of players and many fans had already arrived at the ground, and the late postponement came as a bitter disappointment after club officials had worked around the clock all week to try to get the game on.

A statement released by the Hares on Sunday read: "Despite numerous days of hard work by our volunteer board members and loyal supporters, the match official deemed a particular area of the pitch as unplayable at 2pm, with further concerns around the game being able to be completed.

"Based on our knowledge and experience of the pitch, in particular the last few weeks and based on the forecasted weather, it was not deemed necessary to have a pitch inspection at 10am.

"This situation had been communicated to the opposing team and match officials and fully understood by all.

"The re-arranged fixture had been scheduled for Saturday, January 18, with a 3pm kick-off, please see details below.

"Tickets were issued to supporters after yesterday’s postponement was announced. This ticket will be valid for any upcoming game at Robingoodfellows Lane. These tickets will need to be shown for free entry.

"Please retain any purchased Golden Goal tickets as the competition will be drawn at the re-arranged fixture next weekend. The winning time will also be published across our social media platforms for those who cannot attend.

"To the supporters who attended yesterday or travelled and arrived after the postponement, we are sorry for the situation and will look at measures to improve communication going forward.

"We hope to welcome you back to Robingoodfellows Lane for the rearranged fixture."