Portland United's scheduled Jewson Wessex League clash with Gosport Borough at Grove Corner, tonight has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Heavy overnight rain left the the island venue in an "unplayable" condition, according to Blues boss Nick Preston.

He explained: "The playing surface was in a pretty poor state when we checked it out last night and it was decided to hold an inspection early this morning.

"A couple of the committee members went and had a look first thing and they reported back that there was just too much surface water to play."

Tonight's postponement has come as a blessing in disguise for Preston who would have been without five of his senior players.

James Reeve, Mark Carter and Andy Perkins were all suspended for the clash, while defenders Mark Kenway and Andy Turrell were ruled out with groin strains.

"Talk about being down to the bare bones," said Preston. "It's frustrating having so many players out at the same time, and even more so when three of them are missing because of suspensions.

"On top of that Andy and Kenners wouldn't have played and so the postponement is not the worse news I've ever had."

He added: "I was talking to Swanage's manager after the game at the weekend and he reckoned Gosport were about the best footballing side he'd seen this seasonand so it would have been difficult had we gone into the game with a weakened line-up,"

But things are set to get better for the islanders boss - striker Reeve and wing-back Carter will both be available for selection again from Monday next week.

"We've definitely missed Revo and Mark," admitted the player-manager, "and I'll be glad when I've got a full squad of players to pick from again.

"Also I'm looking forward to playing Revo alongside Darren Whyton and new signing Chris Evans because I think the three of them will add up to a pretty lethal strike force."

Portland's next action is on Saturday when they travel to Christchurch in the Jewson Wessex League.