As you are all aware, we attended a virtual meeting of all clubs in the Pitching In Southern League on Tuesday evening to discuss the resumption of the League competition. Similar meetings were held by the Northern Premier and Isthmian Leagues.
Following the meeting, Clubs were asked to vote on the following statement: “whether to continue the current pause in the season with a regular review in the light of changes to the current Tiers and/or grants becoming available”.
Having discussed the issue at length and taking into consideration the opinion of Andy Peaks, we have voted in favour of the continuation of the current pause in the season on the basis that it would be unfair on our fellow clubs in tier 3 who are being asked to play their matches behind closed doors.
The votes have now been counted and the Southern League have released the following statement.
“The Clubs in membership of the Northern Premier, Southern and Isthmian Leagues (the Trident Leagues) met earlier this week to consider the challenges and issues brought about by the reintroduction of Tiers after the raising of the nationwide lockdown with effect from yesterday.
The clubs were asked to vote on a proposition that the pause in fixtures be continued with a regular review in light of changes to the Tiers and/or grants becoming available. The first review to be no later than 16th December. The total votes cast by the 224 Clubs show a substantial number of Clubs in agreement with the proposition. The matter has been considered today and is subject to comment by The FA. A further statement will be issued in due course.”
Consequently, our scheduled League match on Saturday v Kings Langley FC will not now take place.
However, the match due to be played at Hayden Road on Tuesday, December 8th v Peterborough Sports FC in the FA Trophy is, as things stand, unaffected and will kick off at 7.45pm.
In order to prepare as fully as we can for the match on Tuesday, we have arranged a friendly match at Hayden Road on Saturday, Dec 5th against Kempston Rovers FC; kick off will be at 3pm.
Both matches will be all-ticket and tickets must be purchased in advance.
Supporters who live in a tier 3 area are asked not to attend in accordance with current guidelines that state you should not travel into or out of a tier 3 area.
Ticketing details for both matches are as follows:
Sat Dec 5th v Kempston Rovers (friendly)
Season ticket holders – free entry
Adults – £5
Concessions – £2
U8s – free
Tickets for this match are now available.
Tues Dec 8th v Peterborough Sports FC (FA Trophy)
This is an all pay match, season tickets are not valid.
Adults – £11
Concessions – £8
U18s – £2
U8s – free
Tickets will be available exclusively for season ticket holders and members from today; please check your emails for your access code.
Remaining tickets will be on general sale from 9am on Sunday, Dec 6th.
Tickets for both matches can be purchased at www.ticketsource.co.uk/afcrd
Thank you all for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you all soon.