Dale Match Abandoned

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 01/01/2005

MATCH referee Phil Prosser has explained his decision to call the game off at Rochdale. The Yorkshire-based official called off the Mariners game at Spotland at the start of half time, whilst the score was still 0-0.

"What I am conscious about is the safety of the players - that is paramount in my decision making," Prosser told Mariners Net. "We got the game started and both sides have to be congratulated for trying to play football.

"We then got a down-pour after around 33-34 minutes, lasting for about 2 minutes - turning the game into a bit of a farce. What I'm conscious about is if the ball stops when a player is running through - that can cause a serious injury. I don't want a serious injury on my conscience or any of the player's consciences."

Town had shaded the first half in which Russell Slade had used an attacking 4-3-3 formation, managing to accommodate Parkinson, Reddy, Sestanovich and Gritton all in the same starting XI. Town came closest when Rochdale 'keeper Matthew Gilks made a top class save to deny a Rob Jones header destined for the top corner.

At the other end Ronnie Bull and Terry Flemming had both cleared early chances for Dale off the line.

A date has yet to be set for the re-arranged match.

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