Oldham apologise for late postponement

Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton has issued an apology on behalf of his club, for the late postponement of the Championship game against Dewbsury Rams at Bower Fold on Sunday.

The game was called off at 1.45pm, which was just 15 minutes before turnstiles opened, and ony an hour and 15 minutes before kick off.

The decision was taken by match commissioner John Holdsworth and referee Scott Mikalauskas.

“Initially the pitch was not holding water and we didn’t anticipate a problem,” said Hamilton.

“Rain then began to come down relentlessly, pools began to form, and we were left with no option but to postpone the game.

“The decision was made by the match commissioner and the referee. There was no input from Stalybridge Celtic, who were keen for the match to go ahead, if at all possible.

“The pitch quickly became unplayable and that was before anyone had gone on it. Fifteen minutes into the game and it would have been a question of how long could we carry on.

“We apologise to anyone who was inconvenienced, but until shortly before the decision was taken, the pitch was playable.”

A new date will be announced in due course.