Pompey v Burnley - CALLED OFF!

Oh well, I did not want to go football this weekend anyway...

Who am I kidding, I was really looking forward to the game against Burnley but the Fratton encounter was called off this afternoon!

I got news of this via a text from Richie, which I got when I checked my phone during my break at work tonight.

Now I have to decide, do I want to 'brave' the conditions and use my train tickets and spend the weekend in Cosham, or write these off? The ones that I get are 'non-refundable'. Richie says, and he works for First Great Western, that its advised not to travel unless you need to.

Hmmm, what to do...

This is the statement that was issued on The Pompey Site: 'Pompey's npower Championship clash with Burnley at Fratton Park on Saturday has been postponed.

The pitch has been protected with frost covers for the past week but the stadium and adjacent areas are now covered in six inches of snow.

Every effort has been made to get the game on but concourses, exits and parts of the seating areas are under deep snow, raising significant concerns about public safety, particularly as conditions are expected to deteriorate with the forecast for temperatures to drop to -5 degrees Celsius on Friday.

Pompey stadium manager Derek Stone said the decision to call the match off was made on the grounds of public safety following consultation with Portsmouth City Council's Safety Advisory Group.

He said: "It's disappointing because we all want to see the match go ahead but safety is paramount.

"The stadium is under six inches of snow, including the stands, walkways and emergency exits, and more freezing weather is forecast.

"I cannot guarantee the safety of persons attending the stadium nor can I guarantee the safety of staff or helpers coming into the stadium to assist with any clearance."

Tickets for the match will be valid for the re-arranged fixture on a date to be arranged.'