Carl Macauley says referee was right to abandon Witton Albion's FA Trophy clash with Boston United

Referee Benjamin Speedie decided to cut short the third qualifying round tie after conditions worsened during the first half.

The hosts were in front thanks to Rob Hopley’s fifth-minute goal.

Instead they will have a second attempt to eliminate higher-ranked opponents when the teams meet again in Northwich on Tuesday night.

“It’s a tough pill to swallow because we were ahead and in control of the game,” said Albion boss Carl Macauley afterwards.

“The call is the right one though; there was a risk to the players’ safety and the visibility out on the field just wasn’t getting any better.”

Witton took the lead when Hopley guided Brad Bauress’ cross out of the reach of Boston goalkeeper Michael Emery.

They looked more likely to score again than the Pilgrims were to reply, and Prince Haywood’s skidding shot prompted the visitors’ number one to save smartly to his right shortly before the break.

Macauley added: “I wondered if they’d have a spell after we went in front, but instead we continued to push forward and kept their back four busy.

“My lads are absolutely gutted, as you can imagine.

“I need them to respond in the right way in midweek, and I’m sure they will.

“Their heads should be high; they’ve played against a National League North side and controlled the game.”

The hosts suffered another blow earlier on when midfielder Paul Williams left the field on a stretcher after hurting his knee while stretching to make a challenge.

His injury is not thought to be a serious one though.

Captain Anthony Gardner was ruled out after a knock to his ankle during last Saturday’s 4-1 win at Chasetown, while on-loan Billy Reeves (knee) missed out too.

Albion’s name is on a list of team’s that will feature in Monday’s first-round draw - something they have not achieved in a decade.

The scene at Wincham Park before kick-off in Witton Albion's FA Trophy third qualifying round encounter with Boston United on Saturday