MANAGER Carl Heeley felt the surface at Curzon Ashton was “playable” despite the referee’s decision to call Worcester City’s FA Trophy clash off due to a frozen pitch.

City made the trip to Greater Manchester on Saturday expecting to play their third qualifying round tie at the Tameside Stadium.

But with frost covering a section of the pitch, an inspection was held an hour before kick-off when the officials agreed to postpone the match.

The tie will now take place on Monday night (7.45pm) when the two sides were due to face each other in the Vanarama National League North.

Heeley said he was left “frustrated”, but he insisted he “respected” the referee’s call.

“We wanted to play and Curzon wanted to play,” he said.

“Ultimately it is the referee’s decision and we have got to respect that.

“We gave our input after he asked us for it and his decision was final.

“It is frustrating for us having travelled up here and I feel sorry for the supporters who have made the journey and there are a few of them here.

“But it’s the referee’s decision and we have to respect that.”

He added: “It is frustrating, but it happens.

“You can’t do anything about it as it’s out of our control.

“I thought the pitch was playable and we were happy to play on it, but it’s not my call.”

City’s boss also refused to blame Curzon, who chose not to call an inspection earlier in the day despite the drop in temperature overnight.

“I have been on the flipside where we have been the home team and it’s debatable whether you call for an inspection or not,” Heeley said.

“It is difficult to forecast what the temperature is going to be five or six hours later when you first look at it, so I know how difficult it can be, so I cannot blame Curzon.”