Local matches postponed after wet weather
By Connor Steel
NON-LEAGUE football supporters have been left disappointed this weekend following match postponements across the country due to bad weather; with Portchester and Fareham’s scheduled encounters now set to be played later in 2023 as a consequence of ongoing heavy showers and windy conditions battering this region.
Despite sunny weather throughout Friday and dryer skies forecast for later today (January 14) the overnight deluge of heavy showers into Saturday morning has made many pitches unplayable across Hampshire and savaged many ties; including Portchester’s game against Laverstock & Ford and Fareham’s trip to Alresford.
Fleetland’s home encounter versus Andover Town has also been postponed as the Wessex League Division struggles with the weather; only one league match surviving in the form of Moneyfields hosting Dorset-based Portland United at the Draper Tools Community Stadium. This is due to begin at 3pm on the artificial surface.
Havant & Waterloovile’s scheduled National League South encounter away at Farnborough is another tie to be postponed due to the weather alongside Sholing’s tie against Paulton Rovers. The Boatmen have further reported that most of their ground is now ‘underwater’, including the outside car park and spectator seating.
No new dates have been announced for these rearranged fixtures with a majority of non-league clubs due to face congestion following similar postponements over the festive period. An example is Fareham Town who will now play a total of ten matches across three competitions before the end of February, with five in March.
At the time of writing on Saturday (11:45am) it appears that Gosport’s scheduled home clash with Yate Town has been unaffected by the weather; the pitch at Privett Park passing an inspection earlier this morning. The potential relegation 6-pointer will kick off at 3pm with the club showing the Manchester Derby from 12.30pm.
Meanwhile Gosport’s home tie against Southern League leaders Weston-super-Mare has been rescheduled for February 8 (Wednesday) with a 7:45pm kick off at Privett Park; having been postponed on December 17 due to a frozen pitch. Their cancelled away trip to Plymouth Parkway is yet to be rearranged between clubs.
Portchester have further announced that their league trip to Cowes Sports will now be played on January 24 after being postponed earlier this week; whilst Fareham’s game versus Shaftesbury is due to be rescheduled until February 15. Fans are encouraged to check the Wessex League website for updates to all their fixtures.
PICTURED BY ALAMY (MG4K08): Waterlogged pitches have ruined Saturday’s non-league calendar again.
