Rovers Under-23s have seen their scheduled fixture at Southport postponed because of pitch concerns.

The two sides were set to meet at the Merseyrail Community Stadium on Sunday, July 28 but that game has now been shelved because of ongoing pitch maintenance work at Haig Avenue.

The Sandgrounders, who have also called off their match with League One side Blackpool next week, say they are speaking with Rovers about trying to arrange the game at an alternative venue.

The Rovers first team have already seen one of their scheduled friendlies postponed, with Rochdale unable to fulfil the fixture which was set to played last weekend because of concerns over the Crown Oil Arena surface.

However, that game was played behind closed doors at Brockhall, with Ben Brereton scoring twice in a 5-1 win.

Rovers Under-23s have played one behind closed doors match at Leeds so far, with Charlie Adam scoring in a 2-1 victory. 

National League North side Southport, who also host Everton Under-23 matches, say pitch consultant Alan Lewis has told them ‘more root growth is required’ and that excessive use at this stage ‘could put the surface in doubt for the remainder of the campaign’.

A club statement read: “Mr Lewis has assured us that it will be one of the best surfaces in the league.

“Much as we would like to play the games against Blackpool and Blackburn at the ground, as much for financial reasons as anything else, we also want to give the players every opportunity for the season ahead.”

“It will be great to give the players that opportunity to play on a great surface at every home game. The last thing we would want to do is to sacrifice that at this late stage.”