PHIL Parkinson reflected on last night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy wash-out and admitted referee Trevor Kettle had no choice.

City's second-round tie with Barnsley was called off right on kick-off amid a deluge at Valley Parade.

The clubs are today finalising a rearranged date, with next Tuesday looking the most likely to avoid a backlog of games.

City host Bury the following midweek and have moved the Blackpool game, postponed from this coming weekend because of international call-ups, to November 3. The third round is scheduled for the following week.

A drenched crowd of 2,573 were left disappointed but Parkinson felt it was the only decision the official could make after the storm hit the ground during the pre-match warm-up.

The Bantams boss said: "I can't remember seeing rain like that. It was a freakish deluge with thunder and lightning as well.

"The ref just called me in a couple of minutes before it was officially announced and said we could give it another half hour. But he had the forecast and the rain was due to be set in until midnight.

"He said that as it stood, the pitch was a danger. One thing we don't want – or (Barnsley boss) Lee Johnson didn't want – is to pick up a needless injury."

The storm had been travelling up the country and Parkinson got an early warning from City chief scout Tim Breacker, who was driving north to watch York's game against Doncaster.

Parkinson said: "I was sitting having a coffee in a cafe in Wetherby and he asked what the weather was like. It had been absolutely fine but Tim said the traffic had been going ten miles an hour all the way from the Midlands.

"I thought at the time, if that rain comes up here we could be in trouble – and it did."

Fans were given vouchers afterwards which will allow them to watch for free when the game does happen.

Parkinson said: "We feel sorry for the supporters who've come in and those who have driven up from Barnsley. But the most important thing is the safety of the players.

"With the injuries we've had so far, we don't want to put anyone at risk.

"Reece Burke is still playing next Tuesday and Rory McArdle's second game is Sunday. (Joint-chairman) Julian (Rhodes) and I will have a chat this morning and liaise with Barnsley to find a date that suits both parties."