The National League match between Barrow and Forest Green Rovers was abandoned after just 14 minutes on Saturday afternoon due to adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Boelo. The fixture at the Furness Building Society Stadium was halted by referee Stuart Morland after the pitch became waterlogged, with standing water hampering play.
Match Abandoned Despite Early Barrow Lead
Barrow had taken an early lead through Isaac Marriott, who scored after just two minutes. However, despite the home side leading 1-0 at the time of the abandonment, the match will be replayed in its entirety, starting again at 0-0. A new date for the rearranged fixture, along with match and ticketing information, will be announced in due course.
Club Statement on the Abandonment
Barrow AFC released a statement on their official website confirming the abandonment. The statement read: "Barrow AFC can confirm that this afternoon's Enterprise National League fixture against Forest Green Rovers was abandoned in the 14th minute due to adverse weather conditions at the Furness Building Society Stadium."
The statement added: "The match referee conducted hourly pre-match pitch inspections and deemed the playing surface suitable for the fixture to begin. However, with conditions deteriorating following kick-off, the referee subsequently made the decision to abandon the match."
The club also thanked their ground staff and supporters, saying: "The club made every possible effort to ensure the fixture could go ahead, with our ground staff working tirelessly to prepare the pitch and give the game the best possible chance of being played."
Reaction and League Standings
Forest Green Rovers, based in Nailsworth, faced a 150-mile trip to Barrow. Following the abandonment, Forest Green's X account posted: "We understand this is very frustrating for the FGR supporters who have travelled to Barrow today. We wish you all safe travels back home."
Barrow remain 10th in the league standings and are due to face Halifax Town on Tuesday evening. Forest Green, meanwhile, sit in 17th place, having secured just four victories from their opening 12 matches of the campaign.
