Torquay United fixture at home to Farnborough postponed due to waterlogged pitch

Storm Chandra put paid to Torquay United’s National League South game against Farnborough on Tuesday – and delayed leading scorer Louis Dennis’ return from suspension.

Despite the efforts of groundstaff and helpers, who worked from early in the morning and over the weekend, the decision to call off the promotion-chasing Gulls’ bid to complete a second ‘double’ was taken just before Tuesday lunchtime.

The much-praised Plainmoor surface has been able to soak up most things thrown at it in recent seasons.

An FA Trophy tie against Horsham had to be put back last season, but you have to go back to January 2023 for the previous postponement, another Trophy tie against Taunton Town.

Tuesday’s verdict – the early timing was made with their opponents and further forecast showers in mind – means that Torquay face three successive away games.

After last Saturday’s 2-1 win at Enfield Town, the Gulls (3rd) travel to leaders Hornchurch on Saturday and then to Dover Athletic for a rearranged fixture next Tuesday night.

Dennis was hoping to be back for the Dover trip after a three-match ban, but he’ll now have to wait until Dorking Wanderers come to Plainmoor on Saturday week, February 7.

Most United fans will probably try to look on the bright side of the Farnborough verdict.

The attendance would almost certainly have been lower than the club would have hoped for. The pitch would undoubtedly have been heavy and taken significant damage with more than three important months of the season still to go.

And, after the late decision to call off the recent match at Dover, it seemed only fair not to do the same thing to Farnborough’s players and supporters.