DEPARTING Portland ace Ed Bastick conceded it is a “shame” the coronavirus outbreak has prevented him from saying his goodbye on the pitch.

Bastick’s family had been set to sponsor the final game of the season, but the midfielder-turned-defender has now played his final match before joining the Metropolitan Police this summer.

Portland’s 6-1 win over Totton & Eling in early March will prove to be Bastick’s final game after the FA voided all leagues in Steps 3 to 7.

Speaking to Echosport, a disappointed Bastick said: “My family was going to do the last game – be sponsors for it.

“We were going to have quite a lot of us up there and make a bit of an occasion about it.

“It is a shame that, with everything going on, the league’s been brought to an end and I can’t do that goodbye.

“It is sad, but there are bigger things in the world to worry about, so I completely understand it.

“I was quite looking forward to having that last game and seeing it out with the lads and my family – it’s one of those things.”