Colchester United have had an application to alter the dimensions of the Job Serve Community Stadium pitch approved by the EFL ahead of Saturday's meeting with the Saddlers.With the pitch adjusted, an EFL official inspected the change and the playability of the surface at midday on Friday and, with a favourable forecast, and the extensive work being done, no concerns about a postponement of the Walsall game were raised by the official.
An EFL statement released on Friday afternoon said: At its meeting yesterday, the EFL Board approved an application by Colchester United to alter its pitch dimensions, commencing from tomorrow’s Sky Bet League Two fixture against Walsall.
Following a number of postponements for the Club, including their last two home fixtures, due to drainage issues, the League commissioned independent pitch specialists STRI to undertake an assessment of the playing surface.
It was concluded that reducing the pitch in width and length and therefore removing the majority of the problem areas, represented the best of the limited options available to complete the season in good order.
The amended dimensions at Colchester United are now 64 metres in width, (previously 68m), and 102 metres in length, (previously 105m). These are in accordance with EFL Regulations and the Laws of Game and are similar to a number of Clubs across the League.