Shrivenham in pitch call-off

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Monday 27th Oct 2003.

SHRIVENHAM missed out on the chance to catch the leaders in Division One West when their home game with Witney United was called off due to an `unplayable' pitch.

Referee Brian Woodcock was unhappy at the state of the playing surface at the Rec, which was riddled with cracks following the hot summer and recent cold snap.

The Shrivenham ground staff made some emergency repairs but Woodcock was still not satisfied and postponed the fixture.

Now the club face a race to rectify the problem ahead of the visit of Shortwood next Saturday, and more importantly before Hellenic League officials carry out a ground inspection on Friday to see whether the facility is fit for Premier Division football.

Shrivenham boss Alan Dyton said: "The referee wasn't happy with the cracks in the pitch although I didn't think it was any worse than what we've played on so far this season.

"The ground staff tried to fill the cracks with soil but the ref still wasn't happy even though both sets of players and both managers wanted it to go ahead.

"We now have a ground inspection on Friday and we have to make sure the situation is looked at between now and then."

With Shrivenham and second-placed Ross Town inactive, Purton extended their lead, but only by a point after a 1-1 draw at Easington.

Martin Thompson put Purton ahead but Greg Shawyer's equaliser saw Purton move three points clear at the top rather than five.

In the other half of the table, Malmesbury Vics suffered a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Quarry Nomads and Cirencester United drew 2-2 with Cheltenham Saracens.

Highworth's Premier Division title challenge suffered a setback as they were beaten 2-0 at Southall.

Boss John Fisher had highlighted Southall as one of the few sides capable of upsetting the top dogs and his prediction was correct as Dale Godfrey and Gavin Hart condemned Highworth to their first league defeat since the opening day.

Wootton Bassett were beaten 1-0 at Henley, leaving Pete Yeardley's troops 16th.

In the Gloucestershire Trophy, Fairford defeated visiting Bristol Manor Farm 3-2 thanks to Jamie Webb (2) and Courtney Chessell.

Archive Home