The game got under way on time at a sodden Holker Street and hosts Barrow quickly took the lead when Isaac Marriott lobbed Rovers goalkeeper Luke McNicholas inside the first minute.

But in the 13th minute, with conditions worsening, an attempted back pass from Barrow’s Marcel Oakley stopped dead on the pitch due to standing water, allowing Sean Etaluku a clear sight of goal.

His effort flew over but the referee had little option but to call a halt to proceedings.

A Forest Green spokesperson said: "We understand how frustrating this is for the travelling FGR fans who made the long journey in treacherous conditions to watch the fixture.

"We would like to send our appreciation to the Barrow grounds staff who worked relentlessly to try and get the game on."

A Barrow spokesperson 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 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.

"We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to our ground staff for their considerable efforts, alongside the supporters of both clubs who braved the conditions to attend this afternoon's fixture."