PORTLAND United have been forced to postponed this evening’s match against Shaftesbury due to a waterlogged pitch.

The Blues were set to host the Velocity Wessex League Premier Division promotion hopefuls, who boast ex-Bournemouth and Portsmouth striker Brett Pitman in their ranks.

However, sunshine earlier in the day gave way to heavy rain and, following consultation with match officials, the decision has been made to postpone the fixture.

Portland apologised for the late notice, announcing: “Unfortunately due to a waterlogged pitch tonight’s clash against @SFC1888 (is off).

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“We apologise for this late announcement but following on from two hours of extremely heavy rain on Portland and consultation with tonight’s match referee, the decision has been reluctantly made to call tonight’s match off.”

Portland are next in action at Petersfield Town this Saturday (3pm).