SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher was surprised his side’s FA Trophy tie with Darlington was allowed to go ahead.

Referee Sam Mulhall gave the game the go ahead following a pitch inspection an hour before kick-off.

And Maher was shocked the fourth round tie was not postponed.

“When the downpour came we were out there and there were a few holes on the pitch,” said Maher.

“Chris, our groundsman, does an unbelievable job for us but there was water lying in some of the corners so I was surprised if I’m being honest (that the game was on).

“But my concern is always player safety.

“In hindsight we’ve won the game and we’re pleased but I was concerned when that downpour came.

“Touch wood we’ve had no injuries.”

However, Maher remains concerned at how the game going ahead could hurt the pitch for the rest of the season.

“My concern was the pitch as well,” said Maher.

“There’s always a game in a season which really digs it up and it’s difficult to recover from.

“That might be it today and going forward we will have to see how it is.

“We want a fast, quick pitch but as the weather gets warmer and dryer the pitch will dry out and it makes it slower to play on which maybe won’t suit us.

“But we’ve won the game and everyone is OK.”