Portsmouth on weather watch ahead of trip to Crewe amid Storm Darcy

Storm Darcy is set to continue its icy grip on the country heading into Saturday’s League One encounter at Gresty Road.

According to the Met Office, overnight temperatures are set to plunge to -3C and it will remain below freezing until 2pm – an hour before kick-off.

There is also a yellow weather warning for snow and ice in place from midnight on Saturday that will remain in force for 24 hours.

The Met Office said: 'Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.

'Small chance of more prolonged delays with stranded vehicles and cancelled rail and air travel.

'There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off.

'There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.’

Pompey have already had one game postponed because of a frozen pitch this season.

The Blues' trip to Accrington on January 2 was cancelled a day before kick-off after a local referee's inspection deemed the Wham Stadium pitch unplayable.

Kenny Jackett's side's clash against Swindon on Tuesday did get the go-ahead after some concerns in the afternoon ahead of kick-off.

Pompey delivered a 2-0 victory over the Robins, although players admitted the Fratton Park surface was hard in places.

Meanwhile, the visit to Charlton last month was postponed an hour before kick-off because of a heavy pitch and rearranged for three days later.