Frustration for Barnsley as Bury game is flooded off

With the concourse on all three sides of the Gigg Lane ground flooded, and the pitch unplayable due to water logging, referee Kevin Wright made the early decision to deem the stadium unfit to hold the game.

But Johnson used the opportunity to take his players through an extra training session ahead of their next League One match, at home to Blackpool on Monday.

“I gave the players Christmas day off, but we wanted to make use of the time to do some more training,” Johnson told The Star.

“We used the time for a good session, but I know all the players were disappointed, as was I, because we were really looking forward to the game.

“And it was probably a good time to play Bury because they’ve had a change of personnel recently.”

The Shakers held a 10am pitch inspection to see if the playing surface was playable and the ground safe for supporters.

But heavy overnight rain, which also led to the postponement of a string of other northern clashes, saw Cambridgeshire-based official Wright make the decision to call off the fixture.

A Barnsley club statement read: “Today’s match at Bury has been postponed due to flooded stands at Gigg Lane.

“Lancashire has been hit by torrential rain over the last 24 hours with severe flood warnings in place across the county.

“A new date for the fixture will be confirmed at the earliest opportunity.

“In the meantime, please keep hold of your pre-purchased tickets.”

Reds striker Sam Winnall admitted he was “gutted” the game was called off.

Winnall tweeted: “Gutted the game is off. Hate not playing on Boxing Day. Time to prepare for Monday now.”

Midfielder Conor Hourihane, who skippered the side in the absence of Alfie Mawson in the previous game against Wigan, tweeted: “Boxing Day is all about football. Gutted game is off.”