Forest Green Rovers' away fixture at Barrow was abandoned in the 14th minute this afternoon after a waterlogged pitch rendered the National League match unplayable. The decision came after a back pass from Barrow's Marcel Oakley held up on the saturated surface, forcing the referee to halt proceedings.
Barrow had taken a shock lead within the opening 10 seconds through Isaac Marriott. Forest Green's Sean Etaluku then ran through and fired a shot over the bar before the conditions deteriorated. A lengthy pitch inspection had been conducted at 2:15 pm due to Storm Boelo and heavy rain, with Barrow's grounds staff working to try and get the game on. At 2:30 pm, Forest Green's social media account stated the match would go ahead.
Club and fan reaction
Forest Green expressed understanding for the frustration of their supporters, many of whom faced a four-hour drive home in treacherous conditions. "We understand this is very frustrating for the FGR supporters who have travelled to Barrow today," the club's account posted.
The disruption is an unwelcome setback for a Forest Green side sitting 16th in the National League with 15 points from 12 games, having recorded four wins and three draws this season. Their recent form of one win and three draws from the last five matches includes the 5-0 victory over Chesham United on Tuesday. That result was part of a sequence where they have scored 19 goals but conceded 22, leaving them with a negative goal difference. The club now faces a quick turnaround, with the rearranged fixture against Barrow, who are eighth, scheduled for this coming Saturday, October 24th. The new date for today's abandoned match will be announced in due course. Forest Green are twenty points behind the league leaders, a gap they will hope to close when their schedule resumes.
The report in full is at independent.co.uk
