More could have been done - Town boss Malpas

Swindon Town boss Maurice Malpas felt let down by officials at Walsall after last night's clash between the two sides at the Banks's Stadium was postponed.

The match was called off by referee Carl Boyeson an hour before kick-off due to snow on the pitch following a freak storm that swept across the West Midlands yesterday.

But the Town boss believes groundstaff at the venue could have done more to remove the thin layer of snow that had settled on the surface to persuade Mr Boyeson to get the game on.

Malpas said: "I am disappointed the game was called off. The pitch was covered in snow but I think a bit more could have been done to try and clear the pitch and get the game on.

"We wanted to play on the back of our last two victories because it represented a good chance for us to keep our little winning run going.

"We got here at an hour-and-a-half before kick-off and the referee told us there was a pitch inspection. He took about 15 minutes to make his mind up before deciding to call the game off.

"I have to defend him because the safety of the players is his main responsibility. It is easy for us to say we should have started but if a player had been injured because of the conditions he would have been crucified."

Over 500 Town fans made the trip up a congested M5 from Wiltshire and Malpas added: "That is the biggest disappointment for me.

"We heard that a good number of fans travelled up through the 'blizzard' and they had to turn around and go back without watching a game of football."

When referee Mr Boyeson was asked whether Walsall could have done more to get the game on, he replied: "It is not my responsibility to criticise clubs; my main concern is the welfare of the players.

"I was made aware there was snow in the area on my way and I left it as long as I could before making the decision. I would sooner come back in the New Year when conditions are better and there is less risk of a player getting a serious injury because of the state of the surface."

It was a disappointing turn of events for out-of-favour Town striker Blair Sturrock, who was set to be named on the bench only a day after returning from a loan spell at Bournemouth.

Barry Corr was ruled out with a back injury picked up during a substitute appearance against Oldham on Saturday and teenager Ben Joyce was also carrying a knock.

"Yes, it was a bit unfortunate for Blair," Malpas said "He was going to be on the bench because of an injury Barry picked up on Saturday.

"We will wait and see what happens with Barry in the next few days and maybe Blair will get another chance to figure in the squad at Scunthorpe."

Former Town player Sofianne Zaaboub was also set to start against the club he left in the summer following a long injury lay-off that has hindered the early stages of his Saddlers career.

"I was looking forward to the game," the French winger said. "Things are going well for me here but I have had an injury that has meant I have missed a lot of games.

"I was due to make my first start for a while and was going to enjoy facing my old club. It is unfortunate, but this is football."

Town's players will now have today off as they prepare to take on high-flying Scunthorpe and Malpas added: "It is an extra day to prepare for Saturday and at least we will have no new injuries to contend with."