THIS afternoon's Vanarama National League showdown between Eastleigh and Dover Athletic has been postponed.

The Silverlake Stadium playing surface has been saturated by heavy rain and, with more downpours forecast, the match has been called off early to spare Dover a wasted trip.

An Eastleigh FC statement issued earlier this morning explained: "Eastleigh Football Club can confirm that our National League game with Dover Athletic, scheduled for this afternoon, has been postponed due to the inclement weather.

"The club went to great lengths to get the game on and, with overnight rain forecast, a pitch inspection was called for 8am.

"This morning, the pitch was inspected by a match official, and was deemed too wet to play on in parts.

"With conditions due to worsen throughout the day, the decision was made to postpone the game early enough so as to not impact on travel plans for supporters and players alike.

"The club would like to thank the National League and Dover Athletic for their cooperation on this matter.

"A new date for the fixture will be arranged in due course."

It's the second blank Saturday running for Andy Hessenthaler's Spitfires.

Last Saturday's scheduled trip to Barrow fell foul of 'The Beast From The East.'