Portsmouth and Newport friendlies cancelled
Two more home friendlies have been cancelled following the disappointment of Saturday's game against AFC Wimbledon not going ahead.
League Two champions Portsmouth were due to play the Spitfires this Saturday - but that has now fallen through as has the friendly against Newport County which was scheduled for 22nd July.
Eastleigh's chief executive Mark Jewell said: “Having had a last-minute fixture cancellation on Saturday, the last thing the club wants is a repeat performance this weekend.
"The result of calling a game off last-minute for a regular fixture is bad enough, so we feel that with the added burden of a huge police bill for this fixture and the fact that the weather is so uncertain at this point, due to the extreme heat and the threat of very heavy rainfall, the exposure to the club is just too high.
“This is extremely disappointing for all concerned as, deep down, I feel the pitch will be in excellent condition on Saturday.
“However, it is crucial that both clubs leave nothing to chance in the run-up to the new season.
"We are sorry for the inconvenience to both sets of fans but hope the long-term benefits will outweigh any potential short-term gains of playing this fixture".
"We fully appreciate the disappointment for Eastleigh spectators but we do ask them to take an understanding view on the decision as we try to ensure the best possible playing surface for their side during the league season.”
League Two champions Portsmouth were due to play the Spitfires this Saturday - but that has now fallen through as has the friendly against Newport County which was scheduled for 22nd July.
Eastleigh's chief executive Mark Jewell said: “Having had a last-minute fixture cancellation on Saturday, the last thing the club wants is a repeat performance this weekend.
"The result of calling a game off last-minute for a regular fixture is bad enough, so we feel that with the added burden of a huge police bill for this fixture and the fact that the weather is so uncertain at this point, due to the extreme heat and the threat of very heavy rainfall, the exposure to the club is just too high.
“This is extremely disappointing for all concerned as, deep down, I feel the pitch will be in excellent condition on Saturday.
“However, it is crucial that both clubs leave nothing to chance in the run-up to the new season.
"We are sorry for the inconvenience to both sets of fans but hope the long-term benefits will outweigh any potential short-term gains of playing this fixture".
"We fully appreciate the disappointment for Eastleigh spectators but we do ask them to take an understanding view on the decision as we try to ensure the best possible playing surface for their side during the league season.”
"We've had to do it early so people could make proper arrangements"— BBC Solent Sport (@solentsport) July 11, 2017
The decision to cancel @EastleighFC v @officialpompey explained... pic.twitter.com/us3X6zklvA
Now Eastleigh lose Portsmouth and Newport County friendlies
EASTLEIGH'S home pre-season programme is falling apart at the seams with two more scheduled games against Football League opposition falling by the wayside. Saturday's eagerly awaited home friendly against promoted League Two champions Portsmouth has been cancelled along with the visit of Newport County the following weekend (July 22).
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