Unprecedented conditions force Torquay United into another postponement

Torquay United’s Plainmoor pitch, with the help of expensive work undertaken by the last two regimes, has developed a reputation for being able to soak up most that an English winter can throw at it.

But 38 consecutive days of rain has proved just too much and, in the wake of the recent postponement against Farnborough, this Saturday’s eagerly anticipated top-of-the-table NL South clash with Dorking Wanderers has gone the same way.

The decision was taken after a 9am inspection on Friday.

If there was an air of inevitability about the news, there must also have been a feeling of relief, on several counts.

A weather warning for more rain was in place until Friday evening.

The early timing stopped Dorking, who were due to stay at Exeter on Friday night, from travelling from Surrey.

Looking ahead, if the match had somehow proceeded, the likelihood was that the pitch, which could prove so important to United’s promotion hopes, would have been damaged beyond quick repair.

The fixture is likely to be replayed, like the Farnborough game (March 3) on a Tuesday night in March, where there are currently a couple of free midweeks.

We’re not into serious ‘backlog’ territory yet, but United are next due to play Chippenham Town on Tuesday night.

It is scheduled to be the Gulls’ fourth successive away game – they’ve won at Enfield, Hornchurch and Dover – but all eyes are on the pitch at Hardenhuish Park if we get much more rain.

Town are due to be away to Dagenham & Redbridge this Saturday.

Meanwhile Plainmoor has until next weekend (Feb 14) to recover before hosting Maidenhead United.