POOLE Town chairman Chris Reeves insists criticism of the club is "just not appropriate" after another late postponement last night.

Dolphins were due to host Hendon in Southern League South, but the game was called off at Black Gold Stadium at around 6.30pm, little over an hour before kick-off, due to a waterlogged pitch.

Poole have played just three home league games since the start of December and only eight in total this season and have as many as six games in hand on some of the sides above them in the table.

"I totally understand the criticism of the club arising out of the Hendon postponement," said Dolphins chairman Chris Reeves.

"Any criticism, however, is just not appropriate.

"There was no club official present when the pitch examination was carried out by a suitably qualified referee. At my request the inspecting referee consulted the match referee at length.

"Between them the decision was made for the game to be declared on.

"The club could not have postponed the fixture at that stage even if we were convinced that was the right thing to do. When I arrived at the ground at 5.30 the pitch was playable. It was the torrential 20-minute downpour at 5.45/6pm that defeated us.

"Even then both clubs wanted to play the game. The match referee took the decision to postpone.

"We had carried out our responsibilities to the letter. This was not a case of us being cavalier or irresponsible.

"Criticism is easy. Dealing with very difficult situations is sometimes a bit harder."

Poole are due back in action on Saturday with a trip to Beaconsfield Town (3pm).