Spitfires Explain Their Pitch Problems Following Call Off

The Spitfires' pitch was deemed unplayable by the match official on Saturday afternoon.

No new date has been set for the re-arranged fixture but Eastleigh have confirmed refunds are available or today's match tickets can be used once the game is rescheduled.

"Following a pitch inspection from today’s match officials, our game against Chester has been postponed," their statement read.

"It is with regret this decision has been made so close to kick off however, every care had been taken in advance of the game to prevent this from happening.

"A match official was called in on Friday afternoon to view the pitch and following this inspection it was deemed safe to play. This information was relayed to today’s referee Mr Savvas Yianni on Friday afternoon.

"Upon arriving at the ground today, the match officials have taken the view that player safety was at risk and decided to postpone the game.

"Ground staff had covered the small affected area over night to protect the surface from any rainfall which was forecast. However, the problem with this area of the pitch is not a surface water issue but a sub-soil drainage problem. Additional drainage has been installed in the affected area over the past week.

"This issue is being addressed immediately and emergency work will commence Monday.

"Fans who have purchased tickets in advance are entitled to a full refund and this will be available from the club shop.

"Should fans wish to keep their tickets, these will be okay to use for the re-arranged game or for another league game of your choice.

"The club will make no further comment on this issue."

PHOTO BY PITCHSIDE PHOTOGRAPHY