ACCRINGTON Stanley hope last night’s postponement of their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy second round tie against Shrewsbury will not affect their attempts to pay off a £308,000 tax bill before October 28.

Stanley had been due to face their League Two counterparts at the Crown Ground last night but heavy rain throughout the day created large puddles in the penalty area at the Coppice End.

The game was not called off until 5.30pm – an hour and a half before the scheduled 7pm kick-off time – because Tyne and Wear referee David Foster did not arrive until 5pm and initially opted to hold a second pitch inspection at 6pm, before continuing rain ended any hopes of the game taking place.

Stanley will now have to wait until the game is eventually played to collect the much-needed gate receipts, although a large crowd was not expected at the Crown Ground last night in any case.

The Reds hope the rearrangement of the match will not scupper now confirmed plans to host Blackburn Rovers in a fund-raising friendly on Tuesday.

“No date has been confirmed but both clubs are pushing to play it on October 20,” said Stanley assistant manager Jimmy Bell.

“The game should still be played this month so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem financially.

“But it would be a big blow with his Blackburn game planned next week if we had to play it then.

“It was disappointing for the game to be off but it was the same problem we’ve had before with the goalmouth at the Coppice End.

“In the end there was no other scenario really.”

Stanley have had persistent problems with postponements in recent times, with a number of games called off last season.

They will now go into the area quarter final draw, which will be screened on Soccer AM on Saturday.