Town boss Kieran McKenna says it was an ‘inevitable decision’ for referee Stephen Martin to abandon the Blues’ match at Blackburn Rovers and expects to return to Ewood Park to restage the contest.

With 80 minutes on the clock, Martin halted proceedings due to a waterlogged pitch with the ball visibly failing to bounce or roll smoothly on the playing surface.

The Blues, having also been reduced to 10-men following a red card to Jacob Greaves, were trailing 1-0 after Todd Cantwell had converted a penalty shortly before the hour mark.

“Strange sort of feeling as we stand here now,” McKenna told TownTV. “It was impossible to finish the game. Especially from the start of the second half, the pitch was getting to the point of unplayable, really.

“It was really slushy before the game started but the ball rolled okay in the first half, to be fair, it was holding up a little bit. But the second half, the footing was too slippery to be safe, and then the ball stops moving.

“I think it was an inevitable decision, could have maybe been earlier but in the end there was no other option.”

McKenna thanked the 3,984 travelling supporters who had made the long journey to Lancashire, with the official supporters coaches having left Portman Road at 6.15am.

He said: “Incredible support, really, really grateful. Still in full voice at the end as well in the rain, they’re incredible. We hope to reward them starting next Saturday and in the matches to come.

“There’s every chance we’ll be back up here again and hopefully we’ll reward them because we really appreciate the support.”

Chairman Mark Ashton echoed McKenna’s gratitude, adding: “We’ll look at what we can do for the fans who travelled all this way and supported the team in such difficult conditions. The main thing we want to say is thank you.”

It has been confirmed that Greaves’s red card will stand regardless of the match outcome, which will be determined by the EFL board.

Photo: Action Images

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 12:13 - Sep 21 From the FA.com: "In line with EFL Regulations, any league match that falls short of 90 minutes' duration may be ordered to count as a completed fixture, may be replayed in full or may be replayed in part, on whatever terms and conditions the EFL Board determine." In other words, it seems a bit of a lottery. Don't hold your breath.
1

Bazza8564 added 12:15 - Sep 21 we dodged a bullet for sure. Poor performance given last weeks high.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 13:04 - Sep 21 It's very difficult to see what would be fair for both teams. Here's an idea (which of course will never happen): The game is played over two legs, both away for us. Saturday's result stands and Blackburn are awarded a 1-0 win for the first leg; after the second leg is played, the overall winner is decided.
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Billysherlockblue added 13:26 - Sep 21 Darkhorse your def a budgie. Always complaining. . Why do you even bother.
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ronnyd added 13:37 - Sep 21 Vinney, read the last paragraph of the report mate.
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ArnieM added 14:19 - Sep 21 Atrocious conditions from the very first whistle, yet we still try and pass it about out from the back like were playing on a bloody snooker table. Just WHEN will McKenna adapt his bloody approach?? What is it, 5 wins in 50 games now is it?
3

warktheline added 14:22 - Sep 21 Regardless of the shambolic playing conditions, McKenna’s 11 didn’t adapt whatsoever, personally I think the gaffer was just as annoyed by his team’s performance…let alone the conditions! Some of these players need to find consistency very quickly and feel comfortable with the system being played!
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herfie added 14:56 - Sep 21 Conditions apart, it’s blindingly obvious that KM and his coaching staff have a shed load more work to do, in terms of fashioning an effective team from a bunch of talented - at this level - individuals. Determining what his best and strongest player mix is must be a top priority. I think, also, there exists a PL mindset in play; eg we’re up against another strong team, are we able to match their physicality and impose our game, and avoid basic errors? We need a much more positive and confident mindset.

1

blueboy1981 added 17:23 - Sep 21 Just a reminder - League 1 is currently looking a far greater possibility than the Premiership without massive improvement and points on the board. The gap is quite wide already - and it’s only SEPTEMBER !!
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blueboy1981 added 17:31 - Sep 21 ……. and the Highest Wage Bill in the Championship !! - by a margin. Just saying !!
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armchaircritic59 added 19:27 - Sep 21 Lightningboy, some of those pitches in the 70's and 80's would have made todays look like a carpet! Ball not rolling or bouncing? Try making it do that in a few inches of mud! You're right, they just got on with it. Often not a test of pure skill, but which side wanted it the most, which today is still ( or should be, given the ludicrous wages some players are on ) as important!

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Wheels added 07:33 - Sep 22 Blueboy we're currently 500-1 to get relegated, you and darkhorse could make a fortune
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blueboy1981 added 16:45 - Sep 22 Ten points adrift of the top already - should be more of a concern than any replay I would think for the Club !! Only September too - some radical improvement required soon, come rain or shine ! Roll out the down markers and excuses, time needed to gel, settle, etc; etc;
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armchaircritic59 added 18:18 - Sep 22 Wheels, 500-1 to get relegated currently? Hmm, I used to work in the bookmaking profession years back for a relatively short while, I'd say they've got it about right, but we all remember Leicester City.
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