As a result of what seems apparent as a distinct lack of foresight on behalf of their hosts, Carrick Rangers players and officials - and their most loyal supporters - consequently made a wasted trip to mid-Ulster – and are now faced with incurring the cost, in terms of both time and finance, in going back to Lurgan to fulfil the fixture on a midweek date yet to be determined.

“It was a very late call to scrap the fixture. We were already down there and looking forward to playing a match. But what can you do? The pitch was not playable and there was only one decision that could be made” explained Small.

But the Rangers manager was clearly more than a little bit miffed that so many people were inconvenienced by making a journey that was patently unnecessary. For, as I’ve stated above, he was doubtful from he opened his eyes that morning whether a ball would be kicked in anger.

“Yes, I must admit that, from I rose on Saturday morning, I felt there was every chance that the game would fall foul of the elements. Indeed, both before we headed down the road and on the way there I was concerned that we were travelling in vain.

“I telephoned their secretary three or four times and he didn’t give me any indication that the fixture would not take place as scheduled.

“Yet when we arrived at 1.15pm and I went straight out to see the pitch, I knew right away that there was not a chance that the game would survive an inspection. Put bluntly, it was very obvious to me that the pitch was unplayable.

“Okay, I will admit that they seem to have had more than their fair share of rain in the hours beforehand, but I still think more could have been done to spare us a wasted journey.

“If the match had been set for Taylor’s Avenue, I have no doubt we have been calling in a referee from around the corner to check the pitch and give us his evaluation as to whether an early inspection was needed.

“Perhaps I am wrong, but they didn’t seem to have made any contact with the referee to suggest that there might be a problem with the pitch. I really do think something should have been done.

“I am not sure about the protocol or regulations surrounding such situations, as to whether for example a club official has the right to declare a pitch unplayable, but I do think there have to be guidelines in place which could have had a decision taken much earlier.

“The referee arrived at 1.30pm, an hour before kick-off, and he made the only decision that was open to him because it is absolutely certain the pitch was waterlogged and unplayable.”

This weekend Carrick Rangers face Coagh United, who are struggling since the departure of their prized asset.

“I think they must be missing Jamie Tomelty, who made the switch to the Premier League with Dungannon Swifts.

“He was one of the few players who really stood out in this division.