SOLIHULL Moors supporters have received an apology from a Woking official following the postponement of a midweek fixture between the two clubs less than an hour before kick-off.
Many Moors fans had already made the 115-mile trip to Woking’s Laithwaite Community Stadium in anticipation of a 7.45pm kick-off for the clash on Wednesday night (February 25).
However, less than an hour before kick-off, a pitch inspection by the match official saw the game called off.
The referee deemed small areas of the pitch, specifically the goalmouth area, unsafe although both Woking boss Neal Ardley and Moors manager Chris Millington wanted the fixture to go ahead.
Woking managing director, Robin Byrne said: “The frustration and disappointment of Wednesday night’s events will have set in for many of you.
“This is an extremely difficult situation for everyone connected to the club. Both teams trained on the pitch this evening and were prepared to play.
“Both managers indicated their willingness for the match to go ahead. Ultimately, however, the referee’s decision was made on safety grounds, and that decision is always final.
“I also want to acknowledge our supporters, both home and away, including those who made the long journey from Solihull.
“You travelled in good faith and had every reason to expect a game of football. I am genuinely sorry.
“Around 95 per cent of the pitch is in good condition. The issue is confined to a severely damaged goalmouth area that deteriorated significantly in the last home fixture played in torrential conditions on an already saturated surface.
“That provides context, but it does not change the reality that the area has not recovered as we anticipated.”
Solihull travel to Scunthorpe United on Saturday, February 28 with kick-off at 3pm at Glanford Park.
