SCUNTHORPE United manager Nigel Adkins felt referee Keith Hill made the right decision in calling off last night’s clash at Roots Hall.

The game was called off 20 minutes before kick-off, with the pitch frozen. And Adkins, who worked as the club’s physiotherapist before becoming boss, backed Hill’s verdict that the surface was not safe to play on.

“If you had to do a slide tackle on that pitch you would break your leg,” explained Adkins.

“Credit to Southend because they did everything they possibly could to get that game on.

“Everyone’s disappointed that the game was called off — no more so than us because it was the worst case scenario having travelled down and prepared for the game “No doubt we won’t be in as good shape when we go down to Southend next time because I’m sure there will be injuries and suspensions along the way.

“And it’s a shame because we all wanted to play a game of football.”