SOUTHEND Manor have been blasted by the Essex Senior League after their scheduled fixture with Woodford Town was called off in the early hours of this morning.

Following overnight rain, a pitch inspection took place at 7am.

Due to a waterlogged surface at Southchurch Park, the contest was postponed but the Essex Senior League released a statement insisting Manor had not followed the correct protocol.

The statement read: “The above match is postponed tonight.

“However, the correct postponement procedures were not followed and this will be addressed by the league in due course.

“A 7am pitch inspection for a 7:45pm kick-off isn’t acceptable.”

Manor moved quickly to confirm the postponement after it became clear the Essex Senior League encounter would not go ahead.

Following the release of the Essex Senior League’s statement on social media, non-league fans questioned why Manor were being criticised for arranging a pitch inspection in the early hours of the morning.

The Essex Senior League added: “We implement a severe weather policy.

“If there is a severe weather warning covering our region, only then are games allowed to be postponed by the clubs with the league’s approval the night before.”

Southend Manor’s proposed meeting with Woodford Town was not the only fixture due to take place in south Essex tonight which fell foul of the weather.

Basildon United’s Isthmian North contest with table-toppers Aveley will not go ahead after a failed pitch inspection at the Cousins Car Wash Stadium.

Meanwhile, Billericay Town’s Essex Senior Cup quarter-final tie with Grays Athletic has been called off for a third time.

The tie was originally due to take place at New Lodge earlier this month, but poor weather conditions has led to a succession of postponements at the National League South side’s home.

Having not gone ahead once again, it has been agreed the tie will now take place on Monday at Parkside.

Grays groundshare with Isthmian North rivals Aveley at Parkside and, with the stadium boasting an artificial surface, the contest is sure to go ahead.