The Bowl will not host next week’s BOS Railway Cup final after it was closed until further notice because of storm damage.

The recent strong winds have caused structural damage to the stadium canopy making it not safe for spectators.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture confirmed the closure in a statement on Wednesday which read: ‘As a result of the high winds and inclement weather conditions over the last few days, structural damage has occurred to a number of columns which support the canopy of the spectator seating section within the Bowl stadium at the National Sports Centre (NSC).

‘As a result of this the Bowl will close with immediate effect on safety grounds, until engineers have carried out safety work at a date to be confirmed in the new year.

‘The NSC will be contacting all its hirers who have scheduled bookings and will be credited for any lost bookings until the facility has reopened.

‘The NSC would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.’

The FA have confirmed that the Railway Cup final will now take place at Ballafletcher on Boxing Day as planned, kicking off at 1pm.