Dover’s scheduled National League South match against Worthing at Crabble was postponed, hours before kick-off.

Amid wintry conditions, Whites announced the news on Saturday at around 1pm.

To the naked eye, approximately two-thirds of the surface appeared playable but concerns remained over the rest of the pitch.

Dover wrote on Twitter: “GAME OFF: The match referee has called today’s game against @WorthingFC at Crabble off following his pitch inspection.”

The Rebels, meanwhile, wrote: “Didn't see that coming.”

Both sides had been hoping to bounce back from midweek defeats, Whites losing 2-0 at Cheshunt - with manager Andy Hessenthaler absent due to Covid - while Worthing lost 6-0 at home to leaders Ebbsfleet. Whites player-assistant manager Mitch Brundle and coach Mike Sandmann were expected to remain in charge against Worthing.

Dover’s next match on Saturday is at Tonbridge, with the club's first-team now not presently due to be in action at Crabble until they face Dulwich on New Year's Day.

They had also been due to give fans the opportunity to meet newly-crowned European darts champion Ross Smith, who was born in Dover.

The Kent club say the food prepared for their hospitality guests was distributed to charity.

There was a similar scenario last season which saw Dover's home National League encounter against Notts County called off in early January.