Portsmouth cup clash postponed after being 'unable to raise a side'
Pompey haven’t played at Petersfield’s Love Lane home since August 1996
It was supposed to be Pompey’s first visit to the home of Petersfield for 30 years.
However, the non-league club this afternoon announced the Portsmouth Senior Cup fixture has been postponed.
Furthermore, they have claimed Pompey Academy were ‘unable to raise a side’ for tomorrow night’s scheduled semi-final at Love Lane.
The teams were battling to meet AFC Portchester in the final - now Petersfield Town are waiting to learn whether they will be handed a bye as a consequence.
The prospect of a sizeable gate for the visit of Sam Hudson’s under-18s on the eve of the Easter weekend would have no doubt excited the Wessex League Premier Division side.
Crucially, the competition doesn’t allow under-16s to compete, which has previously impacted Pompey Academy’s team selection for matches, restricting their team options.
It is understood Pompey numbers have also been impacted by international duty, with Brandon Downey having been away with Northern Ireland Under-19s. While others are away on loan, with some trialling with other clubs.
The Academy’s under-18s are next in action on Tuesday, April 7, against Bristol Rovers in the Youth Alliance League South West Division.
In the meantime, Petersfield have apologised to supporters who had planned to attend the Love Leave fixture.
A statement said: ‘Unfortunately, we have been contacted by Portsmouth Football Club today, who have informed us that they are unable to raise a side for the Portsmouth Senior Cup Semi-final, which was due to take place at The Smartspaces Stadium.
‘We are extremely disappointed with this late development and can only apologise to our supporters for the short notice.
‘We have been in contact with the PDFA and are currently awaiting their guidance on the outcome of this fixture.’
Pompey have fielded their Academy side in the Portsmouth Senior Cup in recent years to aid the youngsters’ development, with first-team players not involved.
Meanwhile, John Mousinho’s side have a Good Friday fixture at Norwich, followed by a Bank Holiday Monday clash with Oxford United at Fratton Park.