Portland United were left counting the cost after their Sydenhams Wessex League clash with Downton at Grove Corner was postponed last night.

Dorchester referee Pete Hutchings called the game off two minutes before kick-off following an hour-long deluge on the island.

His decision infuriated players, officials and supporters from both clubs and it leaves Portland out of pocket to the tune of an estimated £500.

Blues chairman Phil Laming said: "I know the referee has a directive to follow and I appreciate he can't control the weather.

"But in my opinion the pitch was playable and that was the view of the players and both managers.

"Everyone was ready. The supporters were in their seats, the players were changed and then, right at the death, we're told the fixture is off.

"The match might have been postponed but we still have to pay the players, match officials and staff's expenses and I just feel the financial implications should be considered when these decisions are made."

Islanders joint caretaker boss Andy Mason added: "We were all very disappointed. We wanted to play and so did Downton and in our view the pitch was OK.

"You have to feel sorry for our opponents because their players have all taken time off work to get here and they don't even get paid expenses.

"We only had to get changed and drive down the road to get home.

"They had to go all the way back to Salisbury and this were their third postponement in succession.

He added: "As it was, the rain eased up and with hindsight I reckon the ref got it wrong."

Mr Hutchings said his decision to cancel the fixture was made purely on safety grounds.

"I called the ground at 6pm," he revealed, "and everything was fine. I then had a look at the pitch when I got here an hour before kick-off and still it was playable.

"But then the rain started to fall really heavily and when myself and my assistants went out to warm up the surface had become too dangerous.

"The players' safety is always the first concern and that's what I based my decision on.

"I know it's frustrating for all concerned but I just couldn't see conditions improving."