GILLINGHAM manager Andy Hessenthaler has welcomed the postponement of tomorrow's reserve game against Swindon after expressing fears that the state of the Priestfield pitch was affecting performances.

With heavy rain forecast, Hessenthaler is hoping the surface will benefit from the extra time to recover before Saturday's FA Cup, fourth round tie at home to Bristol Rovers.

After Gillingham's 2-0 win on Saturday, he was full of praise for Preston's pitch and admitted: "Sometimes pitches affect games and the Deepdale pitch was absolutely fantastic. "It was a good passing pitch and perhaps at home we're having problems because we like to pass the ball. Hopefully we can address that in the next few weeks and sort out our pitch."

Tomorrow's postponement was at Swindon's request as they are involved in a county cup tie which takes precedence.