Whitchurch Alport’s bank holiday fixture against Hanley Town at the KMJ Mortgages Stadium was washed out on Monday evening.

The postponement adds to the club’s growing fixture backlog in a chaotic season due to the coronavirus pandemic and rolling government lockdowns which have ravaged sport across the country since March.

The Yockings Park pitch was already saturated following the recent home game against Skelmersdale.

Heavy rains in the region – particularly at the weekend – worked against Alport who were desperate to stage the game but were ultimately left frustrated.

Manager Luke Goddard doubles as the groundsman at the KMJ Mortgages Stadium and has not had a chance to get onto the playing surface since that Skelmersdale match and admitted defeat early on Monday afternoon.

“We gave it as long as we could but realistically there was little hope of getting the game on,” he said.

“We pumped off loads of water on the Sunday after the torrential downpour the night before but there was still surface water on several areas of the pitch.

“We knew then that the game against Hanley was in serious doubt and especially if there was any more rainfall that night.”

Goddard added: “The light snow that fell early on Monday morning melted quite quickly and by noon we called a local referee in to ratify the postponement.”

Attention now turns to this Saturday afternoon with Alport due to travel to Burscough, although the game will take place at AFC Darwen with Burscough’s new ground – adjacent to Victoria Park which was sold for housing – still not ready for action six months into the new season.

Covid restrictions may yet scupper that fixture with the Reds hoping the weather gods will be more in their favour for next week.

Goddard’s side then welcome Winsford United on Monday night before entertaining lowly Squires Gate the following weekend.

Kick-off on Monday is scheduled for 7.45pm.