Manager Danny Searle’s sympathies were with Ebbsfleet supporters after the late postponement of their match at FC Halifax on Saturday.

The National League game was finally postponed less than an hour before kick-off due to the condition of the playing surface at The Shay.

It meant a wasted trip for the Fleet’s loyal away following, many of whom were away on their annual weekender.

“I have massive sympathy for the fans who travelled up and spent a lot of money going up there but it definitely was not fit to play,” said Searle.

“We’re professionals at the end of the day, we do this for a living and these things happen. You have to take it as it is and move on.

“But the expense of a fan to get up there, hotels, buying food at services is expensive, the whole package including a ticket is going to set anyone back a substantial amount of money.

“For the game to not be on is deeply disappointing.”

Searle had no issues with the referee’s decision to postpone the game but felt it was something that should have been done the previous day.

“It was a frustrating 48 hours as we travelled up on the Friday,” he said. “To be honest, having looked at the pitch on Saturday I don’t think it was ever going to be on.

“I think maybe they could have made the call a bit earlier. We suffered more than anybody but we didn’t want to play on that, the pitch was unplayable to the point of being dangerous.

“I think the referee made the right decision albeit it was frustrating for everyone. My question is it should have been inspected and called off the day before.”

With Ebbsfleet’s trip to Solihull Moors also postponed earlier this month due to their progress in the FA Trophy, it has left Searle’s men with a busier April than expected.

They’ve still got seven league games to complete by April 20. It’s a busy but not unworkable schedule.

“If we have any more called off it might be a bit of a concern,” noted the Fleet boss. “We’ve got a bit of Saturday-Tuesday but that’s football isn’t it. If you’re in the EFL then you’re playing Saturday-Tuesday most of the season.

“It’s not an issue, we’ve got players coming back from international duty and injury so we’ll have the squad in place to handle those games.”