EASTLEIGH'S FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie against Hereford WILL be played at the Silverlake Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

The FA requested that a pitch inspection was carried out today to check on extensive repair work to one boggy corner of the Spitfires' playing surface.

It followed the controversial postponement of Eastleigh's National League fixture against Chester on September 30.

Had the pitch not been passed fit for Saturday, a contingency plan was in place to stage the tie at Havant & Waterlooville's Westleigh Park ground.

A statement just issued by the Spitfires reads: "Over the past fortnight, extensive repair work has taken place on the south west corner of the pitch following the postponement of the league fixture with Chester FC.

"The club have gone to great lengths to rectify the issue, seeking assistance from a National League-approved contractor.

"Ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup tie with Hereford FC, an FA sanctioned pitch inspection has taken place and the club are delighted to announce that a qualified match official has deemed the pitch playable and has consulted the match referee.

"The fixture will take place at The Silverlake Stadium as planned – 3pm kick-off.

"The club would like to thank all supporters for their patience on this issue – as it stands, no further pitch inspections are scheduled.

"The club would also like to thank Havant and Waterlooville Football Club for their full support during this period – a contingency plan to play the fixture at Westleigh Park was in place had the Silverlake pitch been deemed unsuitable.

"Dealings with Havant and Waterlooville have been extremely positive over the past week, which reiterates our good relationship with the club.

"Tickets for the fixture remain on sale from the ticket office."