CURZON Ashton did not “anticipate there being a problem” before their FA Trophy match against Worcester City was called off due to a “dangerous” playing surface on Saturday.

Following a drop in temperature overnight, a section of pitch at the Tameside Stadium was covered in frost, leading the referee to postpone the third qualifying round tie an hour before kick-off.

However, manager John Flanagan admitted he was “very disappointed” by the decision, claiming other referees may have let the match go ahead.

“There is always a patch in front of the stand which takes a bit longer to be affected by the sunshine,” said Flanagan, whose side will now tackle Worcester on Monday night (7.45pm) when the two side were set to meet in the Vanarama National League North.

“A lot of the pitch was fine, but it’s just that section.

“I thought it was probably borderline (whether or not it would go ahead) as it could have been played.

“It’s very disappointing, but it’s more disappointing for Worcester because they have travelled all the way here.

“Clearly we didn’t anticipate their being problem long term. We felt it was going to be on because, if we didn’t, we would have got a referee in early doors.

“We didn’t think there was going to be an issue, but he has made his decision.”

He added: “They (the officials) just felt that it was dangerous in patches and if somebody went to ground or twisted on it, they might break their ankle. But I have never seen that happen. You only get broken ankles when there is contact or a collision.

“I can sympathise with the referee as he has got to make a decision, but it was one of those where another referee might have said we can play on it.”