They played just 14 minutes! England's National League match between Barrow and Forest Green abandoned for an unusual reason
The England National League match between Barrow and Forest Green Rovers was abandoned early due to extreme weather conditions. Referee Stuart Morland stopped the game after just 14 minutes, as torrential rain brought by Storm Boelo left the pitch unplayable.
Nevertheless, the fixture at Holker Street got underway despite the difficult weather and a lengthy pitch inspection before kick-off. Even before the match, meteorologists had issued a strong-wind warning for northern England.
By the time the game was stopped, Barrow were leading 1-0. The team's captain, Isaac Marriott, scored in the very first minute. However, the condition of the pitch soon became critical: after a back pass, the ball practically came to a halt in the water, and Forest Green striker Shaun Etaluku came within inches of taking advantage.
Forest Green Rovers identified that incident as the decisive factor behind the referee's decision to call off the match.
The visitors' coaching staff backed the referee's decision but criticised the very fact that the game had gone ahead. Ian Klukowski said the match should never have started, as it had been obvious during the warm-up that the ball was not moving properly across the pitch.
Under Football Association rules, the fixture must be replayed. The clubs will agree on a new date together with the National League authorities.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
