Magpies game called off after morning downpour
NOTTS County’s away game against Bradford City in League Two was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
Following conversations with match referee David Rock, the Bantams announced at 10.15am that he had deemed the University of Bradford Stadium pitch playable.
It was then announced shortly after 1pm that, following heavy rainfall, the referee was reassessing the surface and this led to the match being postponed.
Magpies head coach Stuart Maynard told the club’s website: “Firstly, we’re gutted for all our fans who gave up their Saturday to come and support us.
“We really appreciate each and every one of them, and understand their frustration that the match has been called off at this late stage.
“Unfortunately, however, on our arrival at the ground it was clear to all of us that the match couldn’t safely go ahead – and the wellbeing of the players has to be prioritised.
“Bradford have been in contact with us all week, including this morning, but it appears that a latemorning downpour is the reason for the pitch becoming waterlogged. The correct decision has ultimately been reached.”
The Magpies game was one of three postponements due to waterlogged pitches in the division – Colchester United v Stockport County and Crawley Town v Barrow were also called off.
Mansfield Town extended their lead at the top of League Two to three points as George Maris turned home the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 win at Newport County.
The Stags moved further clear as Crewe Alexandra let a two-goal lead slip to lose 3-2 at home to Morecambe.
Elliott Nevitt and Shilow Tracey scored to seemingly have Crewe on course for a regulation victory, only for the visitors to hit three in 14 minutes as Joe Adams and Jordan Slew levelled before Mickey Demetriou gave Morecambe the win.
Crewe’s capitulation allowed Wrexham to move above them into third, with Paul Mullins’ first-half hat-trick earning a straightforward 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley, with Elliot Lee adding the fourth before Lewis Shipley was sent off in stoppage time for Stanley.
Yesterday, Stanley announced they had sacked long-serving manager John Coleman, along with his assistant Jimmy Bell.
Coleman, 61, was in his second spell in charge of Stanley, which began in September 2014 – but his contract was due to expire at the end of the season.
Stanley lie 16th in League Two after the 4-0 defeat at Wrexham.
“Accrington confirm that John Coleman and Jimmy Bell have been informed their contracts are terminated with immediate effect,” said a club statement.
“Everyone at the club thanks them for their long-standing service and we wish them all the very best for the future.”
Liverpudlian Coleman first took over as boss of Accrington in their non-league days in 1999.
Coleman and Bell took the reformed club back into the Football League in 2006 before leaving in 2012 to manage then League Two neighbours Rochdale.
But, after lasting just a year at Spotland, they returned to Accrington in 2014 after short spells at Southport and Sligo Rovers.
In Saturday’s early kick-off, MK Dons remain fifth after losing 1-0 at rivals AFC Wimbledon as Ronan Curtis scored a memorable stoppage-time winner.
Harvey Rodgers scored the only goal of the game as Grimsby Town beat fellow strugglers Forest Green Rovers to pull clear of the relegation zone, while Rob Apter’s late effort earned Tranmere Rovers a 1-0 victory at bottom club Sutton United.
Gillingham won 2-0 at Salford City, Walsall beat Doncaster Rovers 3-1 and Harrogate Town drew 1-1 at Swindon Town.