SOUTHEND United’s Essex Senior Cup clash with Braintree Town has been switched to Cressing Road.

The match was originally due to take place at Roots Hall on Tuesday night but has now been moved to Braintree's ground to protect the pitch.

Speaking after Saturday’s win against Darlington, Blues boss Kevin Maher admitted he was surprised the game went ahead and feared what damage might have been done to the surface.

"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).

“My concern was the pitch as well.

“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."