Glentoran 'gutted' over Larne postponement - Devine

Glentoran home game against Larne on Saturday was postponed less than an hour before kick-off

Glentoran manager Declan Devine feels the officials "made the right call" to postpone his side's hosting of Larne because of a waterlogged pitch.

The meeting at the Oval on Saturday was to bring first against second in the Irish Premiership head-to-head but heavy rain in Belfast saw the game called off less than an hour before kick-off.

"It's certainly a downer on a Saturday when you don't have a game and you're so prepared for it but, it is what it is," said Devine.

"I think the referees have probably made the right call."

The Glens were coming into the game off the back of an impressive win away to Coleraine last week and Devine was keen for his side to get the opportunity to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

"We're gutted to tell you the truth," he added.

"We were ready, we were really looking forward to the game, we had a strong side out on the back of last week. We wanted the momentum to continue.

"The referees have made the call on the safety of the players. There are parts of the pitch which are quite dangerous."

Larne boss Gary Haveron said footing in one section of the playing surface was akin to standing on a waterbed.

"The pitch looks incredible to the naked eye. They've done a first-class job on it," he said.

"They were working really hard to get the surface water off it, but it's underneath.

"It's like standing on a waterbed down in that bottom corner. The ball isn't bouncing.

"It's unfortunate the referees have to come to these decisions, but player safety plays a part. It's just a shame because the rest of the pitch looks so well."