Referee puts safety first

The Prenton Park pitch underwent inspections at from Webb at 10am and 11am on Saturday morning but areas of the playing surface remained frozen.

"I travelled overnight from Durham having spoken to the club earlier in the week and they said they had concerns about a few areas of the field," Webb told Tranmere's official website. "I had a look at 10 o'clock and about 70% was playable.

"As referees player safety is paramount, that's what we look for. The goal areas are our main concern and both were fine. We had problems with the two touchlines, both were frosty in places and soft in other places so very uneven.

"I decided to give it until 11 to see if there was any difference. I came back out and the near touchline on the dug out side had improved slightly, but the far touchline remained frozen. You could hear the difference and the studs wouldn't go in at all.

"With that in mind I couldn't guarantee the players' safety and if there's any doubt I'd rather be safe than sorry."