Express & Star

Stourbridge 'disgusted' as play-off clash postponed

Stourbridge have expressed their 'disgust' after their Southern League Central play-off semi-final was postponed.

Published

The decision was made following an FA inquiry into Stratford Town, who were alleged to have fielded an ineligible player during the course of the season.

Stratford’s play-off match against King’s Lynn Town was postponed earlier this week.

The league then called upon the Glassboys' fixture to be postponed.

In a statement issued by Stourbridge, chairman Andy Pountney issued a scathing response to the decision.

"We are extremely disappointed to announce that this evening's play-off semi-final against Alvechurch must be postponed." read the statement.

"We were informed yesterday lunchtime by the Southern League that the game should be postponed on the grounds of the best interest and fairness.

"We are disgusted at this decision and have been in several hours of discussions with league concerning this matter.

"We have been informed that they would like us to play the fixture on the same day as the other semi-final, citing unfair advantage to the teams if they play sooner than the other semi-finalists.

"The outrageous decision that has been made clearly jeopardises whether we can play the fixture at the War Memorial Athletic Ground, due to us ground-sharing with the cricket club.

"The league rules clearly state the fixture should be played tonight and with the league announcing the postponement of tonight’s fixture they have clearly broken their own rules.

"We are still discussing with the league as to when the fixture is to be played, given the unreasonable situation we have been put in. We are also considering whether to withdraw from the play-offs altogether in disgust of the decision that has been taken and the way this situation has been handled by the appropriate bodies."

The War Memorial Ground is scheduled to be hosting cricket on Saturday.

Kings Lynn chairman Stephen Cleeve has already insisted that both games should take place at the same time.

“The whole affair stinks of incompetence." said Cleeve.