Head groundsman David Blacknall feared the U’s home clash with Exeter City would be rained off.

Blacknall, along with his assistant Steve Parker, worked tirelessly in the hours leading up to last weekend’s game, in order to make the Weston Homes Community Stadium pitch playable.

Heavy rain in the area – along with a downpour just before kick-off – left the game in jeopardy, with large areas of the playing surface left saturated.

However, after consulting both managers, referee Paul Taylor passed the pitch fit for the Coca-Cola League One game – which finished 2-2 – to take place.

Blacknall has since being working hard to ensure the Community Stadium pitch recovers ahead of Colchester’s home clash with Stockport County next Tuesday.

However, despite his demanding workload, the U’s groundsman said he was delighted the Exeter game went ahead.

Blacknall told the Gazette: “I’m extremely glad the game was played.

“As a groundsman, I’m as disappointed as anyone when a game is called off.

“We have a responsibility to the players, officials and supporters of both teams.

“We were aware that the rain was coming and we did as much as we possibly could to prepare for it and make sure that we were ready.

“The ball did not roll as much as we would have liked.

“But we will repair the damage that was done and the next thing will be to verti-drain the pitch, because the top two layers are very wet.”