GAME OFF: Doncaster Rovers' trip to Blackpool postponed an hour before kick-off

The Rovers squad arrived at Blackpool only to be told a pitch inspection would be taking place at 6pm.

With the playing surface already sodden following heavy rains, and the downpour forecasted to continue until 10pm at the earliest, the decision was taken to call-off the fixture, which will be rescheduled.

Match referee Robert Lewis said: "The rain has come down heavily in the last couple of hours and unfortunately it has taken its toll on the field of play.

"Currently as we stand here at the moment, with the rain coming down, the pitch is unplayable. There is then the risk of more rain coming through for the rest of the evening, looking at the forecasts.

"My primary concern is the safety of the players and there is also a situation where the integrity of the game is affected by the ball not moving in its natural way."

The postponement is a blow for Rovers who are facing three-game weeks for the foreseeable future and has created a potential scheduling headache for both clubs during the incredibly busy end to the season.

Rovers do not have a blank midweek until the final week of March, which is set to be an international break, while Blackpool already have a game in place at that time.

Barring the Easter period, the Seasiders do not have a free midweek until the final week of the season.

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