SWINDON Supermarine manager Dave Webb was unable to mask his frustration after their trip to Evesham United was cut short when the referee abandoned the game in the second half.

The match officials called time on the game in the 53rd minute due to floodlight failure at the Jubilee Stadium, with Webb’s men trailing 2-1 at the time.

The hosts took the lead in the 20th minute through Elliot Kennedy but Marine responded shortly after when Connor Thompson applied the finish, following some good play from Joe Selman on the wing.

But before the first half was through, the home side were able to add a second as Adam Mann found himself free in the penalty area to tap home.

The second half was then delayed for five minutes as the hosts struggled with their floodlights but after a second power cut, the referee cut the game short.

As both sides returned to the changing rooms the lights turned back on, only for the referee to stick with his decision in what was a strange day for Webb.

“It was a funny one really, we were obviously 2-1 behind when the lights went out in the first half,” he said. “The light was okay to play on without the lights on but we got to half time and there was no light in the whole complex, so the dressing rooms were in total darkness.

“That was then delayed until they got the generator going again. We got through to half-time and then they went out again in the second half.

“The referee called us over and said if it happened again then he was going to call it off. They came back on for a couple of minutes but went out again so he abandoned it there and then.”

Marine also had their game against Mangotsfield United postponed due to the weather the week prior, which has now been rescheduled for a second time and will played on Tuesday, March 14, while this weekend’s fixture is yet to be rearranged.

Despite having two extra games to play in midweek, Webb isn’t too concerned about fixture congestion at this stage.

“It was probably more frustrating for them because they were in front but I thought the game was fairly even,” he added.

“The next goal would have been key for either side. We get another go, probably in March, and we aren’t too behind with our fixtures so it’s not a disaster for us.

“But obviously now we have to travel there in the middle of the week which is always more difficult.”