Football decimated by weather

Today's football programme has been decimated by the wet weather

Chief casualty is Hastings United’s scheduled visit from Chipstead in Ryman Football League Division One South. The Pilot Field pitch passed a couple of inspections, but the game was eventually called-off at around 11.15am.

United groundsman Simon Rudkins wrote on social network site Twitter: “Given the rain now the right decision. Thanks to my helpers Barrie, Roy, John, Dennis, Darren and the chairman for trying.”

The U’s have now completed just one league game in the last fortnight after Monday night’s match at home to Walton & Hersham was controversially abandoned in the 62nd minute with United leading 3-1. The fixtures are already starting to stack up with several midweek games scheduled for the new year.

Also postponed is Rye United’s visit from Ringmer in Sussex County Football League Division One, plus the Division Two games involving Bexhill United and Haywards Heath Town, and Little Common and Mile Oak.

The entire ADA East Sussex Football League schedule has been washed out and the Robertsbridge Charity Intermediate Cup second round tie between Westfield II and Ninfield United has also succumbed to the elements.