Portsmouth’s League One trip to Accrington has been called off following pitch inspection

A pre-match pitch inspection was carried out at the Wham Stadium this afternoon following recent snowfall, along with sub-zero conditions, in Lancashire.

The League One club had been battling against the elements all week in a bid to get the game played, with covers used in order to help protect the playing surface.

Pompey were due to travel to the north west today and preferred a decision before setting off.

But that hard work proved in vain, with the decision taken by local referee Bobby Madeley to postpone the fixture.

No let-up in the cold conditions were anticipated either before Saturday’s kick-off.

The postponement now means the Blues must now wait until January 10 for their next fixture.

That’s scheduled to be against Championship side Bristol City in third round of the FA Cup (1.30pm kick-off) – 23 days after Pompey’s last game on December 18, when they went top of the table with a 2-0 win at Hull.

However, that tie is now in doubt as well after the Robins tonight postponed their clash with Brentford tomorrow because of coronavirus cases at Ashton Gate.

The Blues’ two games immediately after Christmas against Swindon and Bristol Rovers were subsequently called off after five members of the Blues’ first-team squad test positive for Covid.

Accrington themselves have had six games postponed because of the virus, leading to chairman Andy Holt to call for League One and League Two to be extended by a minimum of two weeks in order for fixtures to be fulfilled this season.

A new date for the visit to Accrington is yet to be confirmed.

On Thursday, Pompey announced that their home game against Swindon has been rescheduled for on Tuesday, February 9 (7.45pm kick-off).

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