PETERSFIELD Town officials were left fuming after their home game against Hanwell Town on Saturday was called off by a match official.

Despite heavy overnight rain on Friday, the Love Lane playing surface was looking like it was in a playable condition when a local referee was called in for a pitch inspection at 10.30am.

Before his arrival, club helpers had managed to work on several areas of the pitch to vastly improve the playing surface and put it in a position which Rams officials thought would allow the game to go ahead.

However, the official declared the playing surface was still too wet and the game was postponed.

Petersfield manager Ian Saunders said on Saturday: “I’m stunned to be honest as the pitch is very playable.

“It’s a bit muddy according to the official and player safety was his concern.”

The Rams have not had a home game now since December 19 and their next scheduled Southern League match at Love Lane is not until February 17 – another two weeks away.

“We just couldn’t believe it when we heard the game had been called off,” said chairman Graeme Moir.

“I?was livid to be honest. The pitch wasn’t that bad at the time of the decision and there was still four hours until kick-off, which would have given us more time to get it dryer before the start.

“If Saturday’s pitch is the guide to what isn’t playable, I?don’t think we will get another game on for a while.”