OXFORD City have expressed their disappointment after having to delay the installation of their 3G first-team pitch at Marsh Lane due to drainage problems.

The Vanarama National League South club had hoped to have the artificial surface in place before the start of the coming season.

But the high water-table and risk of flooding at the site has forced City to delay their plans until the 2017-2018 campaign.

The existing grass pitch at Marsh Lane has been notorious for drainage problems, which have led to poor playing surfaces and numerous postponements.

In a statement, the club said: “The construction change required to improve further the amount of water retained within the new 3G pitch structure, and its rate of outfall, would add another week to the schedule.

“And we have unfortunately simply run out of time to complete the conversion this summer.

“The National League rules require the new pitch to pass inspection by mid-July, even though our season will not start until August 6, so the window of opportunity for construction was always going to be very tight.

“We are continuing to work closely in partnership with our landlords Oxford City Council.

“And we are both committed to ensuring that everything is in place to install a new top-quality 3G stadium pitch in time for season 2017-18.”

This is the second time City have had to delay the laying down of a pitch, which in addition to City’s first team, would be hired out for up to 35 hours of community use each week, thus enhancing the club’s finances.

They had originally planned to have this surface in place for the past 2015-16 campaign, but they could not get the necessary planning permission in time.

City chairman Brian Cox said: “This news comes as a blow as we had not seen it coming.

“We’d been looking forward to playing on a lovely surface, which would suit our attractive style of football.

“It’s also a blow for the community sides, who could use the pitch.

“I have every confidence that everything will be in place next year and it won’t be a problem.”

In 2012, City opened a full-size 3G surface as part of their £2.1m community arena next to their first-team pitch.