An initial inspection at 14:45 declared the pitch playable, but as the inspecting official walked off to advise the heavens opened & an hour of incessant rain has left standing water in key areas of the pitch.

The groundsman, volunteers & the chairman have been out forking the pitch in a bid to shift water, but the high water table & rain in the last hour has defeated them. The same inspecting official stayed to see if the water could be cleared but with further rain expected until six o’clock , he has had to revisit the earlier decision in the interest of safety for players & officials.

Our apologies to all, this is a key fixture for both sides and the weather appears to be conspiring with the footballing Gods to ramp up the expectations for everyone.  We will continue to work on the pitches at Theobalds Lane in preparation for the week end.

Other matches postponed this evening include Potters Bar v Dulwich Hamlet , Bognor Regis v Wingate & Finchley , Canvey Island v Lewes, Brentwood v Stowmarket Town & Enfield v Redbridge.

Horsham v Haringey Borough & Whitehawk v Concord are currently (@4pm ) listed as ON.