The National League clash between Barrow and Forest Green Rovers was abandoned after just 14 minutes due to Storm Boelo leaving the pitch waterlogged

A fifth-tier English football match was called off after just 14 minutes due to treacherous weather conditions. Barrow were facing Forest Green Rovers in the National League, with the home side pushing for a play-off position.

The fixture was brought to a sudden halt when referee Stuart Morland abandoned proceedings after the pitch became waterlogged as a result of Storm Boelo. The north west club were swift to put out a statement, posting on their official website: "Barrow AFC can confirm that this afternoon's Enterprise National League fixture against Forest Green Rovers was abandoned in the 14th minute due to adverse weather conditions at the Furness Building Society Stadium.

"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."

They added: "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. The Bluebirds had made a great start to the contest, taking the lead after just 15 seconds.

"However, despite Barrow leading 1-0 at the time of the abandonment, the fixture will now need to be replayed in its entirety, starting again at 0-0. A new date for the rearranged fixture, alongside all relevant match and ticketing information, will be communicated in due course. We thank all supporters for their understanding in what have been exceptional and unavoidable circumstances."

The surface had deteriorated so badly that standing water was hampering play. Barrow had gone ahead before the match was called off, with Isaac Marriott netting for the home side after just two minutes.

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The trip from Nailsworth, where Forest Green are based, to Barrow spans some 150 miles. Following the abandonment, Forest Green's X account posted: "We understand this is very frustrating for the FGR supporters who have travelled to Barrow today. We wish you all safe travels back home."

Barrow remain 10th in the league standings and are due to face Halifax Town on Tuesday evening. Forest Green, meanwhile, find themselves languishing in 17th place, having secured just four victories from their opening 12 matches of the campaign.