Hadleigh United boss agreed with referee Adekola Adeyami decision to call off Hadleigh United's FA Cup tie with Cambridge City at half time , and not guys because they were 3-0 down at the time.

The torrential rain and sodden pitch was a painful reminder for Holder who suffered a double leg fracture when playing on in similar conditions.

It was like trying to stop a deluge in a paper cup as Adeyami and his two assistants conducted a further pitch inspection during the break, and explaining to the Cambridge City management why, as the ball did not bounce, or roll.

Hadleigh's ground staff had done a good job in getting the game on in the first place, with the pitch looking good. So the official's demonstration of the issues with the bay as the rain persistently poured down, was a lesson in good communication to players, staff and spectators alike.

Holder said: "The safety of players is the main reason and as a man that suffered a double fracture when playing in these sort of conditions, then I definitely feel it was the right decision by the referee.

"It was the best decision he made all day and just what was needed.

"It will give us an opportunity to regroup for Tuesday and give it another go."

The Brettsiders boss insisted he would have wanted the game called off even if his side had been three up and has experienced a reverse situation.

"We would never have been three up, but it was one of those decisions that had to be taken.

"We were in a similar situation when we were a couple up against March and cruising and the referee called it off at half time."

Holder gave credit to City that had raced to a three goal advantage through Dan Cotton, Stan Leach and Mikey Davie, although United threatened, especially when Kyron Andrews had an effort cleared off the line.

Kyron Andrews (11) close to scoring during downpour (Picture: Nub News)

"They were very good, " conceded Holder. "You could tell a lot of their players are coming down from Step Three level and the difference in quality was a but too much for us.

"We will give it another go on Tuesday but we know it will be another tough game."

Hadleigh should have defenders Sam Mills, George Bowman and Carlos Edwards for the re-match.