Burscough Groundsman Slams Southport FC Claims Of Unfit Pitch: A WAR of words between Burscough and Southport after their friendly was cancelled at the last minute shows no signs of ending after the former’s groundsman waded into the row.
Burscough FC released an official club statement on Monday evening (July 10) saying that Southport FC had cancelled their fixture the following night (Tuesday July 11) because they didn’t have enough fit or eligible players.
This led to widespread mocking of the Yellows, who have already been the subject of a tireless campaign to see the club taken over for the second time in a year.
Southport FC hit back, stating that the real reason for the cancellation was due to concerns that the playing surface at Victoria Park was not good or safe enough for a game of football.
This angered Burscough FC groundsman Malcolm Crosby who invited the Champion down to the ground to see for ourselves the pitch.
He said: “It’s not true.
“The pitch is playable and the game could have gone ahead.
“I’m a volunteer and I help keep the pitch in a good condition, which you can see.”
In a statement released by Southport FC they stated: “We do not recognise the validity of the highly regrettable comments appearing on the Burscough FC website in relation to the cancellation of the pre-season friendly at Victoria Park.
“While we can confirm that the fixture was cancelled at SFC’s request, this decision was made after a review of the playing surface at Victoria Park.
“First Team Coach John Durnin reviewed the playing surface and after discussing the situation with the management team, the club decided the pitch at Victoria Park was not suitable for the fixture.
“When confirming the cancellation, SFC did include mention of a number of injured players but this was not the main or sole reason as alluded to by Burscough earlier today.
“Southport FC has enjoyed friendly relations with our local neighbours at Burscough FC for many years and we hope this continues in the future.”
An original statement by Burscough FC simply read: “Due to injuries sustained by Southport [at their last game] the Tuesday friendly is cancelled
“Southport sustain injuries on Saturday and are unable raise a team for the friendly.
“We wish the players a quick recovery and best wishes for the season.”
To read the original article from ChampNews, click here
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