Albion's promotion showdown against leaders Chesterfield tomorrow has been rained off.

The Withdean pitch is waterlogged, forcing an early postponement of the long-awaited clash between the teams third and first in the table.

Lewes referee Steve Tomlin took the decision following a 12.30pm inspection. Chesterfield were scheduled to set off from Derbyshire half an hour later.

Tomlin said: "With the heavy rain in the last 48 hours the pitch is full of water. Approximately a third of the ground in eight to ten huge areas is under surface water two to three inches deep.

"The ground staff have been working on it this morning to no avail. I was out with them from 12 o'clock, but they could not get rid of it. It is nobody's fault, it is simply down to the inclement weather."

The postponement is a big disappointment for fans and players alike. The match has been sold out for weeks and Albion were hoping to narrow the gap between them and Chesterfield to seven points.

Albion boss Micky Adams dashed down to Withdean to join Tomlin for the inspection after training.

His assistant, Bob Booker, said: "We spoke to the ground staff this morning and there is a lot of water on the pitch. We have just got it back into some sort of shape and we don't want it to go again at this stage of the season.

"Making an early decision has saved Chesterfield a journey as well.

"It is obviously frustrating. You do your preparation all week for one of the biggest games of the season, you are all geared up and now it is total disappointment.

"But it is out of our hands. When a referee makes a decision you have got to get on with it."

Chesterfield chairman Darren Brown today resigned, along with vice-chairman Paul Grafton. The club are being investigated for alleged financial irregularities.