Both managers agree with decision to abandon Accrington v Sunderland

Posted Sunday, December 09, 2018 by PA

A waterlogged pitch led to the abandonment of Stanley’s match with Sunderland with the game level at 1-1.

With 72 minutes on the clock, the rain was pounding down and referee Oliver Langford said he had no option but to end the game early.

In front of a record crowd of 5,257 at the Wham Stadium, Sunderland had taken the lead when Chris Maguire charged down Connor Ripley’s goalkick and the ball rolled into the net on 63 minutes.

Stanley equalised when a goalmouth scramble led to on-loan Bolton striker Connor Hall forcing the ball home for his first league goal – which will not now count.

Mr Langford said: “it is always a tough decision when you have to abandon the game. I saw the pitch at 10.30am this morning in its best state and in end the pitch was at its worse.

“Both managers were in agreement and it was right decision to call time when I did.

“It’s unfortunate but everyone was in total agreement and player safety was paramount.

“It was touch and go at the start, conditions were ok, the rain started at 12.30pm but come 3 o’clock it was ok.

“Then the heavens opened and I have never seen rain like that. It was coming down in sheets, the score was 1-1 but player safety was paramount regardless of the score. It was a sensible decision to make.”

Sunderland boss Jack Ross said: “It was the right decision and, with the game level, it makes the decision easier.

“The conditions were worsening and the game was becoming farcical and you don’t want it costing you.

“We had concerns before the game but in the main it was ok but then it was sustained rain in the second half and he had to call it off. The match officials did as much as they could in difficult circumstances.”

Stanley manager John Coleman agreed: “It was the right decision, either side could have won it but it would have been a farce – it could have been a farcical incident.

“The ref was going to give it another five minutes but it would have been a joke if either side had scored, I think the fact it was 1-1 made the decision easier.

“The fans who came had their money’s worth for 70 minutes, both sides going for it and making chances. It was just a shame we couldn’t finish it.”