15thjuly05

Friday 15th July 2005

Seating plans shelved by Fleet

Gravesend & Northfleet are still hoping to have part of the covered Northfleet End re-opened in time for the start of their Nationwide Conference campaign, writes Stephen McCartney.

The club will not know until September if they will receive a grant from the Football Foundation and so cannot commission the full refurbishment of the stand until then.

However, they have asked the grant body if they can begin some of the work early and contractors are re-quoting for the work needed to open the front part of the Northfleet End as soon as possible.

Plans to put 500 seats at that end have been put on hold for now.

The club's chairman, Brian Kilcullen told the club's website: "We do not need to find space at Stonebridge Road for additional seats until such time we are in contention for promotion.

"Additionally, we would prefer to have seats at the side rather than behind the goal.

"Hence, we are going to look again at how best we can incorporate more seats and install them in due course."

Some fans are still expressing concerns about the club's league status while the works on the Northfleet end are outstanding.

However, Kilcullen reassured them.

"The Conference officials are fully up to date on the proposed works.

"They are happy with our plans and there are no issues with regard to our ground criteria.

"There would only be a problem if we didn't carry out any work on that end, which, of course, will not be the case."

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed the admission prices for their pre-season friendly against Charlton Athletic on Monday 8th August

Adults can watch the game at Stonebridge Road for £10 and £5 for concessions.

But season tickets can watch the game for free.

Charlton's full Premiership side were held to a 1-1 draw by Nationwide Conference South side Welling United last night.

With former Fleet and Tonbridge Angels goalkeeper, Jamie Turner in heroic form, the Wings' shocked their opponents taking a 76th minute lead- a minute after Adrian Pennock brought on six substitutes - when former Dover Athletic player, Matt Carruthers' scored.

But Luke Young spared the blushes of the Premiership club - who fielded two strong sides in each half - when he slotted home after Jason Euell - who had earlier crashed a shot against the right post - had a shot saved by Turner.