CHESTER have been forced to postpone their scheduled home clash with FC United of Manchester.

Heavy rain over the weekend leaked into the control room, pa room, media room, corridors and walkways and the match official changing rooms, causing significant damage and leaving the club no option but to shelve Tuesday's scheduled encounter with Kidderminster.

Despite their best efforts, Chester have been unable to fix the problems which occurred and due to the nature of the damage, the club were also forced to cancel Saturday's fixture.

National League officials inspected the damage at the Swansway Stadium this morning and left the club and the powers that be no option but to inform FC United of Manchester that the game would have to be postponed.

A statement from the National League read: "Chester’s National League North match with FC United of Manchester on Saturday has been postponed, we can today confirm.

"Severe storm damage has left the Swansway Stadium damaged and on Tuesday the club’s match with Kidderminster Harrier was also called off.

"With no improvement in the situation, the decision has been made to re-arrange this weekend’s league fixture with FC United."

That statement came after Chester published a statement of their own earlier in the week.

It read: “Chester have acted on the advice to fully close the East Stand Admin block until a full and thorough assessment can be made to the state of the electrical system – which can only be completed once the drying out process is complete.

“The club are continuing to work hard with various agencies to expedite recovery work and commercial driers are due on site today to assist the drying out process.

"Following the completion of this a full assessment of the electrical system will be made with appropriate repairs made to restore power before an assessment can be made on any additional damage caused to the public address and CCTV system.

“Whilst the playing surface remains in excellent condition, CCTV, public address system and turnstile monitoring systems (which are all contained within the control room and other areas impacted by the water damage) are an essential requirement of the clubs safety certificate which is a requirement for us to host games.

“We ask that that supporters remain patient in regards to any delays in responding to any queries at this difficult time.

“We would like to formally place on record our thanks to the employees and volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the last few days to minimise any further damage.”

There was talk that the clash with FC United of Manchester could be switched Broadhurst Park, but the quick turnaround made that impossible.

Next Tuesday's rearranged game with Kidderminster Harriers also looks in doubt at this stage, but no official decision has yet been made.