LESS than an hour before kick-off, today's (Saturday, 1January) Isthmian North match at Chadfields, where Grays Athletic were due to play Basildon United, was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

A Grays club statement says: "We are extremely sorry to our supporters and the travelling supporters from Basildon United that today's match was called off with less than an hour to go until kick off

"Despite a fantastic effort for an hour and a half by our management team and volunteers forking the pitch to help with drainage the match referee despite everyone in agreement that they were happy to play the game decided to call the game off at 14:08, we can only apologise and thank those that helped to attempt to get the game played."