IT WAS disappointment all around at the Aspect Arena this evening as Concord's cup semi with Colchester United was called off by the ref - just 10 minutes before kick-off.

There was dismay and bafflement as the official decided a small boggy area near the sideline at the corner of a penalty box was unplayable and promptly kyboshed the eagerly anticipated Essex Senior Cup tie at the 11th hour.

And as supporters - who had braved a gloomy night - filed to the gates for a refund, bosses from both clubs bit their lips as they gave their reaction.

Concord chairman Antony Smith felt the ref should have checked the playing surface when he arrived at the ground at 6.15pm and criticised him for leaving it until 7.20pm.

He said: "I turned up at 7pm and was told the ref was fine with the pitch, but I did not realise at the time he had not even been out there."

* For the full report, see Wednesday's Echo sport.

* Photo of the area of the pitch which concerned the referee can be found here:

https://twitter.com/JamesColasanti/status/435862838033530880