SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock claims Accrington Stanley should have handled the last-ditch postponement of their League Two clash on Saturday much better – and feels sorry for Shrimpers fans who made the 521 mile round trip for no reason.

The Crown Ground clash was called off less than 90 minutes before the 3pm kick-off because of a waterlogged pitch with match referee Carl Boyeson left with little choice.

But Sturrock was fuming and said: “I feel really sorry for the supporters who have travelled a long way and spent a lot of money.

"Something should have been said earlier.

“I know the referee was upset he wasn’t informed by Accrington first thing and the whole situation could have been handled a lot better.

“The first we heard about it was at 1pm when our media manager called me to let me know it was in doubt.

“It was the right decision but the wrong timing.”

While the professionals were left kicking their heels, amateur games went ahead on the adjacent Highams playing fields.

Stanley chief executive Rob Heys was unavailable for comment yesterday.