THE platform of London Euston station was just coming into sight as news of a pitch inspection at Southend United first filtered through to me on Saturday morning – but I was one of the luckier ones.

Around 1,000 Wanderers supporters were due at Roots Hall and many had set off extra early to avoid traffic, some staying over in the town on the Friday night to make doubly sure they got to the game. One loyal fan even flew in from Ireland but each trip was destined for disappointment.

A quick call to my opposite number at the Southend Echo, Chris Phillips, confirmed there was sunshine on the coastline but that a troublesome section of the pitch – shaded by a block of flats – could be the issue.

Even still, for the game to be called off at that point felt a bit of a stretch, considering there had been no prior warning overnight.

But less than half an hour later – minutes after the referee Charles Breakspear’s planned 11am pitch inspection – the final decision was made.

No sooner had I stepped foot in the capital, I was checking out the next train back to Manchester, concerned about the mass of blank pages now facing me on Monday morning.

There was a certain amount of Dunkirk spirit about the Wanderers fans, who by hook or by crook, were going to watch a game of football. Various local non-league clubs, from Enfield to Canvey Island, benefited from their patronage, while some managed to double back in time to watch someone more local, like Blackpool or Rochdale.

Although a perfectly fine day out was had by all in the end, it does not mask over some questions which must be asked of the host club.

Could an earlier warning have been given? Sixty miles inland, Crawley had planned a 9am inspection and had hot air blowers on the pitch, while 40 miles away, Charlton took their decision at 10am after failing to turn on their undersoil heating at all, sending many Scunthorpe fans home unhappy.

East Londoners Leyton Orient’s game against Morecambe also succumbed to the weather, 20 minutes after Southend had made their call.

A disappointed Southend boss Phil Brown also reasoned that the pitch may have been playable closer to kick-off, and reports from the Wanderers staff suggest patches were perfectly servicable. Pictures of the pitch at lunchtime show big chunks of ice swept off the black covers still in shade, while the rest of the stadium basks in winter sunshine.

Southend’s statement said they had done “all they could do” with heaters applied through the night – although local reports that the head groundsman’s job may now be at risk, indicating there could have been a mistake made somewhere along the line.

I hope when the fixture is rearranged that the away fans who had bought tickets are given some incentive to go again, albeit in midweek.

Tickets will remain valid for the replayed game but refunds will be given to supporters who cannot attend, via Bolton Central.

Wanderers have offered some excellent travel discounts in the past for long midweek trips and though you can hardly expect a four-figure travelling contingent on a Tuesday night, those who make the effort will hopefully get a pat on the back.

Thankfully, little changed in the League One table, which now has the Whites sitting third with two games in hand on leaders Sheffield United.

The Blades only managed a point at home to Gillingham, while Scunthorpe’s game at the Valley was also frozen off. Rochdale were hammered by Oxford, while Fleetwood climbed on to Wanderers’ shoulder with a win at Coventry City.

Considering their FA Cup exertions at Crystal Palace on Tuesday, the physical shape of Phil Parkinson’s side was always going to be under serious examination this weekend. Brown admitted himself that it was a good time to play his old club after watching them match Sam Allardyce’s men stride for stride.

Whether wedging another midweek game in further down the line just transfers the problem, only time will tell. In my view, Parkinson’s side could use a breather.

But after two long and fruitless road trips, it certainly will be good to get back to home comforts at the Macron this weekend. Weather allowing, of course.