League Responds To FA Vase Decision
Wed 25th November 2015 | FA Challenge Vase | By Ian Templeman
Following 1874 Northwich's withdrawal from the FA Vase, League Secretary John Deal says he is disappointed that the club were forced into making the decision.
With 1874 unable to put a squad together to make the near 400 mile round trip on a midweek evening, John believes that the FA could have shown some leniency in relation to the rule regarding postponed or abandoned matches where no club is at fault.
John said: "The FA rule states: 'In the Qualifying Competition and First, Second and Third rounds proper on or before the following Thursday, The FA may, in exceptional circumstances approve the playing of postponed or abandoned matches the following Saturday'.
"The FA obviously don’t think a 380 mile plus round trip, in midweek, is exceptional circumstances.
"As a League we are very disappointed at the FA’s decision and, apparently, the lack of support from 1874’s opponents.
"In this instance we had indicated to 1874 Northwich that we would happy to sanction the cancellation of a Saturday fixture to accommodate an FA Vase tie.
"As a League we have always previously released Clubs from League fixtures when such circumstances have prevailed, and I would hope that our Clubs would support that decision in the name of good sportsmanship.
"This issue also brings into question the geographical make up of the draw. An East, West, and North draw would be much more acceptable, compared to what happens at present.
"On one side of the Pennines you have the A1/M1 and the other side the M6, giving easier access to longer journeys. The West side could include the North Midlands Clubs".
League Responds To FA Vase Decision
Wed 25th November 2015 | FA Challenge Vase
By Ian Templeman
Following 1874 Northwich's withdrawal from the FA Vase, League Secretary John Deal says he is disappointed that the club were forced into making the decision.
With 1874 unable to put a squad together to make the near 400 mile round trip on a midweek evening, John believes that the FA could have shown some leniency in relation to the rule regarding postponed or abandoned matches where no club is at fault.
John said: "The FA rule states: 'In the Qualifying Competition and First, Second and Third rounds proper on or before the following Thursday, The FA may, in exceptional circumstances approve the playing of postponed or abandoned matches the following Saturday'.
"The FA obviously don’t think a 380 mile plus round trip, in midweek, is exceptional circumstances.
"As a League we are very disappointed at the FA’s decision and, apparently, the lack of support from 1874’s opponents.
"In this instance we had indicated to 1874 Northwich that we would happy to sanction the cancellation of a Saturday fixture to accommodate an FA Vase tie.
"As a League we have always previously released Clubs from League fixtures when such circumstances have prevailed, and I would hope that our Clubs would support that decision in the name of good sportsmanship.
"This issue also brings into question the geographical make up of the draw. An East, West, and North draw would be much more acceptable, compared to what happens at present.
"On one side of the Pennines you have the A1/M1 and the other side the M6, giving easier access to longer journeys. The West side could include the North Midlands Clubs".
