Chester FC had a wasted trip to West Yorkshire after the FA Trophy game with FC Halifax Town was postponed less than two hours before kick-off.
No pitch inspection had been scheduled ahead of the match but overnight rain left the pitch at the Shay Stadium waterlogged and it was clear from late morning there was little chance of the third round tie going ahead.
Preston-based referee Michael Salisbury arrived at the ground about 1pm and undertook an inspection 10 minutes later.
With the ball not rolling the required distance on the saturated surface, the match official confirmed the fixture could not take place.
While there was no doubt it was the correct call, the decision was frustrating for Blues boss Steve Burr and his squad, who were already at the ground, and a cause of huge disappointment too for the large number of Chester supporters who were either outside the stadium or en route to Halifax.
A new date for the game will be confirmed and The Chronicle understands the clubs will attempt to meet again on Tuesday, February 9 with a 7.45pm start
That will however depend of the condition of the pitch, which could deteriorate further with rugby league side Halifax RLFC, who share the stadium with the Shaymen, due to face Whitehaven there on Sunday afternoon while further rain is expected on Sunday and Monday.
The draw for the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy will take place on Monday.
