PHIL Simkin described Saturday’s postponement as a “no-brainer” and is now looking forward to locking horns with Luton Town tomorrow night (7.45pm).

Three separate pitch inspections took place at the Avenue on Saturday before the FA Trophy first round tie was finally called off, just after midday – a decision that was welcomed by the Dorchester boss.

Simkin told Echosport: “The referee couldn’t seem to make up his mind. It dragged on and on but to be honest it was a no-brainer.

“It is unusual for a game to be called off here but with all the wet weather we had during the week and the forecast on the day there was no other choice.

“The game has now been moved to tomorrow night and preparations are well under way for that.

“The boys worked hard in a training session on Saturday afternoon and everyone is fit and raring to go.”

The Magpies will also take on the Hatters at Kenilworth Road on Saturday in the second round of the FA Cup.

When asked how the postponement has affected his side’s build up to that huge tie, Simkin went on to add: “Nothing much has changed in that regard other than Luton now have to come down here on a Tuesday night. Apart from that it is still what it is.

“We also have a game against Wimborne Town on Wednesday night in the Dorset Senior Cup, so we will take a look at everyone and see where we go from there.”

The two midweek games should also guarantee Ashley Nicholls’ inclusion in Simkin’s FA Cup squad, barring any more postponements.

The influential midfielder still has a one-game ban to serve which should be completed tomorrow night.

Simkin said: “Ash is a very important player for us and we do not want to go into the FA Cup game without him.

“Things were taken out of our control on Saturday but luckily we now have two games to full back on, which should hopefully be enough to ensure he is available to us on the weekend.”

* Dorchester Town released a club statement following Saturday’s postponement. It read: “After a third pitch inspection the referee has deemed the pitch unplayable. Therefore the match against Luton Town has had to be postponed. Dorchester Town Football Club apologise to those adversely affected for this late decision.”