Watford's FA Cup third round replay at Tranmere Rovers has been postponed.

It was confirmed this lunchtime that tonight's tie had fallen victim to heavy rain caused by Storm Brendan and was called off following a pitch inspection, shortly after reports on social media indicated Hornets' supporters coaches had been told to turn back after reaching Northampton.

The League One club had previously announced they were using a pitch covering system to try and protect the playing surface and that would stay in place until around 6pm when the referee would carry out his pre-match assessement.

Following the postponement, Tranmere posted the following message on Twitter:

A new date for the replay will now have to be found, with the winners scheduled to be at home to either Manchester or Wolverhampton Wanderers in a televised fourth round tie on Sunday, January 26.

Prior to that, the Hornets are due to travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League next Tuesday (January 21) following Saturday's lunchtime kick-off against Tottenham Hotspur at Vicarage Road.