Northampton Town boss Keith Curle delivers his verdict on the postponement of midweek clash against Blackpool

The game was called off by referee James Oldham an hour-and-a-half before kick-off due to a waterlogged pitch.

While the timing of the postponement was frustrating for Curle, whose side haven't played a league game in almost three weeks, the Cobblers boss accepted the decision.

"We understand that player safety has to come first," Curle told the Northampton Chronicle.

"But it's probably ironic that the referee called the game off and then for the next half-an-hour it was bone dry up there and the pitch was improving.

"But I understand he has to make a decision and he made the decision based on player safety and it being a level-playing field for both teams.

"Everyone wants an entertaining game of football rather than kicking around in puddles so we have to adhere to it and get on with it."

The fixture has since been rearranged for Tuesday, February 2.

"Our preparation had been good," Curle added. "We travelled up early, had a pre-match meal and went through the video analysis as we always do.

"Myself and (assistant manager) Colin West went to the game early to meet the ref because it had been raining all day, but we weren't told about a pitch inspection and the groundsman was quite confident the game would go ahead.

"But as the referee turned up, the heavens opened and he made the call then.

"Of course there's a level of frustration because you're ready for the game, mentally and physically, so to have that disappointment is something you need to deal with.

"It was a long journey home but the players are upbeat and we didn't change the routine. They had a day off on Wednesday and were in bright and breezy this morning (Thursday) and we're now looking forward to the game on Saturday."

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