11thjuly05

Monday 11th July 2005

Beckenham pitch in

Kentish Observer League side Beckenham Town have had to seek professional advice regarding a problem with their new pitch at Eden Park Avenue, which was laid last year, writes Stephen McCartney.

The visit was necessary to obtain a second opinion on a fungus problem, which is causing concern.

It seems that the constant watering, which was needed after the over-seeding and top-dressing in April, combined with the warm weather, has allowed the fungus to develop.

The pitch had to be fertilised twice within a short period with a very high dosage of nitrogen in order to feed the fungus out, but unfortunately this has interrupted the pitch maintenance programme.

The club's groundsman, Ian Muir, commenting on the situation, told the club's website: "We have further vital maintenance and treatments planned in the next few weeks, which should deal with the problem and further improve the pitch, which will allow us to get a head start next season."

The club were also delighted to hear that, despite the problem, the pitch was described as being of "Conference standard."

Meanwhile, the club's new management duo of Gavin Rose and Junior Kadi have signed NINE new players to bolster their squad.

But having lost Mario Celaire to league rivals Maidstone United, wing-back Nathan Paul played for the Stones in a five-a-side tournament in Snodland last weekend, which the Stones, including Celaire, clinched.

Beckenham are scheduled to entertain neighbours Bromley - who themselves have spent thousands on a new pitch - has cast some doubt as to whether the game on Tuesday 19th July will go ahead.

The "Conference Standard" pitch at Beckenham Town's Eden Park Avenue.

Photograph and article:
www.beckenhamtownfc.co.uk