Kidderminster Harriers will have to make the long journey to Nethermoor for an evening kick off on Tuesday after their FA Trophy first-round tie against Guiseley was postponed on Saturday.

The home club had the pitch inspected at 9am to ensure their Blue Square Premier opponents did not have a wasted trip. It was initially passed fit but the match referee saw it differently and called it off just over an hour before the scheduled kick-off time.

"Obviously Kidderminster were already here by then and were very disappointed by the decision," said Guiseley spokesman Stuart Allan.

"Both the managers went onto the pitch with the referee and were keen to get the game played. From their point of view they had travelled a long way and Steve Kittrick is still waiting for his first game in charge.

"That is three on the trot now. We are beginning to think he is cursed but he keeps a smile on his face. He insists he remains unbeaten and his side have not conceded a goal since his appointment."

Guiseley's ground staff had covered the area in the shade of the stand in front of the dressing room complex. That is a notoriously bad spot for retaining frost as the sun does not reach it until noon but it was the rest of the pitch that caused concern for the referee.

"Where the covers were it was fine and it was in good faith that we contacted Kidderminster after the earlier inspection." said Allan.

"I think the mist coming in was the main reason it got called off. That prevented the sun breaking through and warming it up enough.

"We have played on worse, and Kidderminster will now have logistical problems coming up on Tuesday for a 7.45pm kick off, but the ref has the final decision and we all had to accept it."

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our on-line forum - Click here