The scheduled Dr Martens Western Division derby between Cirencester and Chippenham was called off in controversial circumstances.

The match referee immediately cancelled the match upon his arrival from Northampton after witnessing the state of the Smithsfield Stadium pitch.

Torrential rain during Ciren's defeat against Redditch on Tuesday had left the playing surface in disarray.

But after a dry build-up to Saturday's clash, Ciren officials thought the pitch would recover in time for the visit of Tommy Saunders' side.

Ciren boss Ray Baverstocck said: "It rained heavily during our game on Tuesday, and since then we've had drainage problems.

"There is an awful muddy film all over the centre of the pitch.

"We thought we could get rid of it leading up to the game, but we couldn't shift the mud and the ref took one look at the pitch and said 'no chance'.

"We are all disappointed, because we were really looking forward to it.

"I can only apologise to all the fans that travelled."

Chippenham manager Saunders insisted that Ciren should have had the foresight to call the game off earlier, with the pitch clearly unplayable. He said: "I've never seen a pitch like it in my life. It was badly churned up and, to be honest, the mud stank.

"They've got a serious problem with that pitch, there must be some kind of sewage issue and I won't be surprised if they can't play on it for a while.

"Even if the ref had given it the all clear, there was no way we would've played due to health and safety.

"It was obvious that the pitch wasn't playable, so I find it very disappointing that Cirencester didn't call it off earlier. It was a wasted journey for me, my players, the fans and the ref."