FA issue Hanwell Town one final chance to stage FA Vase tie

HANWELL TOWN may be forced to lose home advantage for their FA Vase Fourth Round tie against Ashford United.

The west London club has failed to stage the match against the Southern Counties East Football League leaders on two occasions, owing to the pitch at Perivale Lane being waterlogged.

The Football Association have contacted the Spartan South Midlands League club to warn them that the game must go ahead next Saturday, 1 February, or the tie may be switched to Ashford instead.

The FA sent an email to both clubs to inform them of the situation.
 
“This tie will now be dated for next Saturday for this twice postponed game but you need to be aware that The FA reserves the right to consider another suitable ground which could be at your opponents if by next Thursday it appears that your ground may still not be playing and I’m sure we will discuss this on Monday.”

A statement, which was issued by Ashford United on their club website, said: “Once again the elements have conspired against us as a pitch inspection ruled Hanwell Town’s ground to be waterlogged and unplayable.

“Hopes had been high at the end of the week that a game might go ahead, but a sudden deluge of rain last night, falling on top of the already saturated ground delivered a blow to those hopes.

“Anyone watching last night’s Brentford v Gillingham game, just a few miles away from Hanwell, would of seen just how much rain fell and how bad the pitch cut up.

“It will now be in the hands of the FA to handle as yet another postponement threatens to cause a fixture pile-up that could derail very good seasons for both clubs.”

Ashford United are in league action on Tuesday, when Paul Chambers’ side travel to seventh-placed Corinthian for their fifteenth league game of the season.

Ashford are one point clear of Phoenix Sports in the table, who have played seven games more.

Visit Ashford United’s website: www.ashfordunitedfc.com