PORTLAND United have seen tomorrow’s Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division contest at Baffins Milton Rovers postponed after the death of Rovers’ physio Andy Hillman.

Portsmouth-based Baffin Milton requested the fixture be cancelled as a mark of respect, with both league officials and the Blues obliging.

It is Portland’s second postponement due to a sudden passing this season after Hamworthy United called off their clash following the death of goalkeeping coach Ben Scott.

Brendon King’s side were due to return to Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division action having exited the Dorset Senior Cup on Tuesday, Jake Scrimshaw smashing six goals for the Dolphins. 

Portland currently occupy fourth place in the table, two spots and two points above Rovers. 

Speaking to Echosport, first-team coach Stuart Heath had called for an urgent “response” to the 7-1 drubbing sustained at Poole Town in midweek.

He said: “We have to respond to what happened on Tuesday. We’ve got to be positive and go into the (next) game confident because we’ve got every right to be. We’re at a good point in the league, our stats show up well and we’re in that top four for a reason – because we’re a good side. 

“We’ve had a few setbacks this season with the games against Poppies and cup games. 

“The players have shown that they can respond to setbacks and I’ve got every confidence that they’ll do that again.”