Forest Green Rovers A-A Mansfield Town: Thick fog causes abandonment

Coaches and officials discussed whether to play the fixture with thick fog at the New Lawn

Forest Green Rovers missed out on going 10 points clear at the top of League Two after their game with Mansfield Town was abandoned due to thick fog.

The 19:45 GMT kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes as officials and coaches assessed the visibility.

But four minutes after the game started it was halted as players and fans struggled to see what was going on.

Referee Carl Brook ordered a further 10-minute delay to see if there was any improvement before abandoning the game.

"We started the game really well, but we couldn't see the far side and the linesman couldn't see the far side of the pitch and you don't want to get done with someone four yards offside," Forest Green boss Rob Edwards said.

"We wanted to give the game every chance, but it was a little bit farcical, you couldn't see what was going on, on the far side and all you could see was a yellow ball pinging round and it wasn't safe and you have to be careful because you don't want it to be a laughing stock."

Mansfield manager Nigel Clough agreed with his counterpart that the game had to be called off.

"Apparently they had a shot," he said.

"There was nothing the referee could do about it. We all gave it every chance. The last thing we needed with two very good teams on show was the supporters not being able to see it.

"Once we kicked off the players said they couldn't see the ball once it went over a certain height and our two wide men couldn't see each other.

"There aren't many worse things for a footballer than to be denied a game when you're ready for it."

Forest Green are seven points clear of second-placed Tranmere, with a game in hand, while Mansfield are seventh and occupy the final play-off place.