Calderdale Council issue response after FC Halifax Town's home game with Dorking is postponed again

Halifax’s game against Dorking was originally called off following the death of The Queen, but since then has had to be postponed twice because of a waterlogged pitch, the second time being on Tuesday.

The situation has left many Halifax fans, as well as Town boss Chris Millington, frustrated that the condition of The Shay surface is proving so disruptive to Halifax’s season, with fears there could be more postponements to come over the next few weeks.

The Shaymen have previously had to play games away from The Shay following postponements due to the state of the pitch.

Coun Jenny Lynn, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, said: “We are disappointed that the game has had to be cancelled.

"The sheer volume of rain over the last couple of days meant that on the morning of Tuesday 22 November, the worst affected areas of the pitch were still holding water, so the football club arranged for an experienced referee to inspect the pitch.

"Based on this inspection, the referee decided to call the game off.

“We work hard all year round to ensure the pitch is in the best possible condition and do all we can to prepare it for each match.

"We continue to explore longer-term options with the clubs.”