For the second time running Notts County’s National League match was postponed at AFC Fylde after the visiting clubs players, staff and supporters had already started making their 135 mile journey from Meadow Lane.

In January the two teams were supposed to meet for a midweek league clash at Mill Farm with a pitch inspection at that time deeming the pitch playable at 2pm on the day. Further rain however in the area meant that by 6pm the match was called off with many supporters en-route and the players coach having to turn back around shortly before completing their 270 mile round trip to the North West.

Yesterday the re-scheduled match was long in doubt with two pitch inspections passed despite heavy covering of the Fylde pitch prior to the match and the concern that more rain was in the air.

By 5pm the match was deemed playable with supporters and players alike already en-route to the ground but a heavy shower of rain soon after meant that for the second time in little over a month the match was called off at the last minute due to unplayable conditions.

Notts Manager Neal Ardley stated “We were ready to go,”

“The ref wasn’t happy.” Continued Ardley “He said anyone who tried to change direction on that area, or landed on it, could get a serious injury.”

“Neil Cox went on it with his boots on and he felt the same way. He felt it was dangerous too.”

“There were a few questions last month when it was postponed, but this time around there’s not much you can say”

The pitch which might have resembled Blackpool Beach more than a National League Football Ground but the irritation was not with the fact that the game had to be called off, but instead that for the second time the decision was left so late when people had already travelled for the game.

The match will now be played later in the season with calls that it should perhaps be played at Notts County as a further wasted trip would be at least two too many to take.

*Main image @Official_NCFC the Mill Farm pitch looking more sandy than soaked ahead of yesterday’s clash.