Rochdale leading Southend before game abandoned due to weather

National League leaders Rochdale had their home game against Southend abandoned in the 77th minute due to a waterlogged pitch.

Dale were leading 2-1 at the time, having fallen behind early on, but referee Andrew Humphries decided the game could not continue after deeming parts of the pitch unplayable.

Oliver Coker put Southend ahead after six minutes with a calm finish into the roof of the net before Rochdale midfielder Ryan East levelled after 53 minutes, capitalising on confusion at the back to tap the ball into an empty net.

Sam Beckwith then crashed an effort against the crossbar but Tarryn Allarakhia nudged the home side in front in the 74th minute as another Southend error at the back led to the Tanzanian beating his man and finishing well.

However, due to the weather conditions, Humphries took the players from the field of play three minutes later and, after a short delay and a further pitch inspection, was left with no choice but to call the game off.