The rescheduled FA Trophy third round tie between FC Halifax Town and Chester FC will now be played on Wednesday (7.45pm).

Having been postponed on Saturday because of a waterlogged pitch at the Shay Stadium, the game was due to take place on Tuesday.

However, the clubs have agreed to move the fixture back a further 24 hours to ensure it has the best possible chance of going ahead.

The prospects of the match taking place tomorrow were considered bleak because rugby league side Halifax RLFC, who share the ground, played at home on Sunday and heavy rain fell on Monday with more expected on Tuesday.

Drier weather has been forecast for Wednesday so the clubs are more hopeful of the pitch being declared fit, although an inspection is likely given the circumstances surrounding the weekend's postponement.

The waterlogged pitch at the Shay Stadium which led to the FA Trophy tie being postponed on Saturday
The waterlogged pitch at the Shay Stadium which led to the FA Trophy tie being postponed on Saturday

There was no suggestion of the game being in doubt in the morning meaning some Chester supporters had set off for Halifax and a large number had arrived in West Yorkshire when the belated inspection took place.

Read: Decision could have been made sooner, says Steve Burr after FA Trophy tie postponed

Blues boss Steve Burr and most his squad were also at the ground when Preston-based referee Michael Salisbury arrived at about 1pm. The official called the game off 10 minutes later having inspected the surface.

Overnight rain had left the pitch saturated and it was clear from late morning there was little chance of the tie going ahead.

The winners of the third round clash have been drawn at home to National League rivals Gateshead in the quarter-finals, which are due to take place on Saturday, February 27.