North Leigh have been left high and dry this weekend after their Division 1 South & West trip to Andover on Saturday was postponed – because of rabbits!

This week the Hampshire side’s Portway pitch was declared unfit by Southern League officials due to the damage caused by the pesky bunnies after the club relaid their pitch.

Although North Leigh agreed to switch the game to their Eynsham Park ground tonight, that was vetoed as the league said no reversal of fixtures between clubs was permitted in any circumstances.

It now means that Mark Gee’s team won’t be in action again until September 14 when they host Mangotsfield.

The call-off also means midfielder George Redknap who rejoined in the week, will have to wait for his return debut.

“It’s unbelievable, it’s an absolute farce,” said Gee.

“The only positive aspect is that when we do play again I’m going to have about 24 players available.

“We couldn’t play it on Saturday because Old Woodstock (the club’s groundshare) are at home in the Vase which takes precedence.

“But the league said they had to play it at home.

“I know the league have certain rules, but I think in some circumstances they should be able to show some leniency. It’s so frustrating.”

Andover’s vice-chairman Bryan Hemstock said: “It’s been a nightmare. The rabbits have eaten so much of the pitch and dug so many holes.

“North Leigh have been fantastic about it and although the league are sympathetic, they said no to switching it.

“I wasn’t too happy because we are willing to travel.

“I’ve been humbled by the help we have been offered, but not by the league.”

The league were unavailable for comment.

Meanwhile, Abingdon United look to get back to winning ways tomorrow against Yate Town.

Although they have won their first three league games, they were thrashed 5-0 at Mangotsfield in the FA Cup last weekend. Ironically, Abingdon lost top-spot to the Bristol side earlier in the week.

Boss Richie Bourne said: “It’s been a dreadful week.

“We could not have prepared any better for the game, we even had them watched and even had a report on them. But we just didn’t cope, although Mangotsfield are a good side.

“I hope it was just one of those days because our league form has been great – we will see on Saturday.”

Abingdon are without the suspended duo of Anaclet Odhiambo and Chris Harper.

Saturday's squad Abingdon Utd (v Yate Tn, home): from Beames, Elkins, Carnell, Franklin, Peirson, Organ, Melledew, McMahon, Younie, Davis, Mills, Gardner, Horsell, Haysham, Smith, Hunt.