I thought it might be a good time to provide a very quick update to supporters on issues surrounding our latest fixtures. Or perhaps lack of them!
Firstly, on behalf of Paul, Wayne and the team I would like to send a huge thank you to our fantastic Green Army, who once again travelled in numbers to Padiham on Saturday, only to be disappointed that the game was called off. Padiham had done their best to stage the match and had called a Referee in during the morning, to inspect the pitch. At that point, it was deemed playable and therefore we all prepared for the journey. However, we know only too well, you can’t plan the British weather and further rain fell. As we arrived, the Match Referee inspected the pitch and advised that parts of it were not playable. As I have previously alluded to, the safety of the players is priority and the Referee has ultimate responsibility to make the decision based on this. I would like to thank 1874 supporters for your understanding on the day. I believe that some of the Green Army decided to take in the game at nearby Clitheroe and had a good afternoon, making new football friends!
On Saturday, we also announced that our Macron Cup tie against Abbey Hulton United, scheduled to take place tomorrow (Monday 27 November) had been postponed. This decision was taken after receiving communication from the League that due to the number of waterlogged pitches, and the likelihood of this problem continuing, the League’s Emergency Committee had agreed to allow clubs to postpone and re-schedule the matches. I therefore made an application to the League on Friday and this was approved. Whilst this means that we must plot the game in at another time, it is a very sensible decision given the current weather situation and it will enable us to look for a free midweek slot. I would like to thank Abbey Hulton’s Secretary for working with me on this and for being excellent to deal with. We will announce the new date in due course.
We have obviously fallen slightly behind with our League fixtures, thanks in the main to our excellent FA Cup and Vase runs, however I have been in discussions with the League’s Fixture Secretary and we are working together on how 1874 will catch up. We just need the weather to help and not hinder our plans!
I hope to see a good 74 turnout once again at Runcorn Town on Wednesday evening and at our FA Vase match on Saturday, when we entertain Ashton Athletic at the St Luke’s Barton Stadium.
Thank you for your fantastic support.
Vicki England – 1874 Football Secretary