COLCHESTER United's game with Grimsby Town was postponed due to a 'significant risk of player injury'.

That's the verdict of match referee Carl Brook, who took the decision to call off the U's home clash with the Mariners due to a waterlogged pitch at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Mr Brook carried out a thorough inspection of the U's pitch, which had been left rain-sodden following rain throughout the day in Colchester.

 

And at around 6.10pm - little more than 90 minutes before scheduled kick-off time - the League Two game was officially postponed.

Mr Brook said: "It's a little bit unfortunate but we carried out a pitch inspection as agreed.

"There was excess surface water and we've also had large areas of the pitch where the ball doesn't bounce.

"The main concern for me is player safety and I think there was a significant risk of player injury.

"That's the reason the game was postponed."

Gazette: Colchester United

Colchester's groundstaff and stewards did their best to ensure the pitch was playable but the decision was taken to call the game off, after a thorough inspection.

A new date will now have to be arranged to play the game.

Colchester's players trained instead last night at the club's indoor dome in Tiptree, as thoughts now turn to their home clash with Accrington Stanley, on Saturday.