NORTHWICH Victoria will have to wait to play an FA Vase semi-final after the first leg against Chertsey Town, scheduled for Saturday afternoon, was postponed.

The result of a pitch inspection at Wincham Park, conducted by a referee who lives nearby, persuaded match official James Oldham to call off the tie at Friday lunchtime.

Persistent rainfall all week, plus a forecast for the weekend that promises only worsening conditions, had put the fixture in doubt.

“Volunteers have worked tirelessly to try and prepare the playing surface,” said Brian Turner, Vics’ chairman.

“But unfortunately the weather has won on this occasion.”

An early decision prevents the Curfews, who are based in Surrey, from making an unnecessary journey by train The Combined Counties League Premier Division side will instead travel north next week.

Vics have confirmed that the first leg is rescheduled for Sunday, March 24, kick-off 2pm.

They cannot host the game the previous afternoon because landlords Witton Albion have a Northern Premier League fixture already in the diary.

Steve Wilkes’ side will then head to Chertsey for the second game the following Saturday, March 30.

Fixtures 

FA Vase 

Semi-final first leg 

Sunday, March 24 (kick-off 2pm) 

Northwich Victoria v Chertsey Town (at Witton Albion FC) 

Semi-final second leg 

Saturday, March 30 (kick-off 3pm) 

Chertsey Town v Northwich Victoria