LITTLE Oakley boss Sean Tynan admitted being “absolutely gutted” following the postponement of his side’s big Christmas fixture at home to Holland FC.

The Tendring neighbours were set to meet in a Thurlow Nunn League first division derby at the Memorial Ground on Wednesday night.

However, relentless wet weather left the pitch waterlogged and a local official deemed it unplayable, following a mid-afternoon inspection.

It was a bitter pill to swallow as Oakley were hoping for a bumper crowd in excess of 200.

“I was absolutely gutted about Wednesday’s game,” said Tynan.

“I went over to the ground first thing and the pitch was very wet even then.

“However, we had to wait for a referee to finish work in Witham before he could get over and call it off about 3.30pm. He took one look at the pitch and said ‘no chance’.

“It’s such a shame as we had a strong squad available and were hoping to make a bit of money through the gate, with a crowd of over 200.

“That would have stood the club in good stead for the rest of the season.

“Still, it’s not to be and can’t be helped.

“We’ll look forward to playing the fixture in the new year.”

Oakley drew 1-1 at home to Norwich CBS, in the Thurlow Nunn League on Saturday afternoon.

Luke Mayhew gave them a first-half lead, but the visitors responded with a cool finish after the break.

“We were absolutely devastated not to win,” added Tynan.

“We dominated and did everything but score what would have been a well-earned winner.

“We had shot after shot and also hit the woodwork right at the end.

“But there were still positives and it was nice to get a reaction from the boys, after they let themselves down massively at Downham (losing 3-0 on December 16).

“I would have taken a draw after the performance that day but given the way we played, it was really disappointing not to win.”

Oakley have no game tomorrow and are scheduled to return to action at home to AFC Sudbury Reserves on Saturday, January 6.

After that they have a run of five straight away games, with trips to Holland, in the First Division Knockout Cup, Leiston Reserves, Cornard United, Woodbridge Town and Swaffham Town.

After Sudbury, they do not play again at the Memorial Ground until King’s Lynn Town Reserves pay a visit on February 17.

“We’ve got a run of games away from home coming up, after the home match against Sudbury,” added Tynan “We’re on our travels in the next four or five weeks but we’re looking forward to kicking on in the new year.

“I’m still feeling very positive and hopeful of a mid-table finish.”

Oakley are 17th in the table with five wins, six draws and 11 defeats from their 22 games.