KCFA: Clubs to charge first team prices for Senior Cup ties

At the start of this season the Football Association made the decision to designate all county cup competitions as reserve team fixtures for Conference National clubs.

In line with this decision it was recognised by Gravesend & Northfleet, who tackle Ryman League Division One side Dover Athletic in the Kent Senior Cup quarter-finals next Monday, 6^th February, that a review of admission prices for these games was required.

A statement issued on www.gnfc.co.uk said: “It would seem sensible to announce a different pricing structure for these matches at the start of every season but we are currently constrained by two major factors.

”Firstly we are required by KCFA rules to “charge the normal admission price for a home first team match” and so clearly any movement in normal prices has to be sanctioned first.

”Secondly we must take into consideration the views of our opponents who share a percentage of the gate monies taken.”

Having approached both parties in recent weeks, the Stonebridge Road club are pleased to say that agreement has been reached to reduce their admission prices for next Monday’s game to £8 (adults) and £4 (concessions).  However, there will be no addition charge for seating.

The statement added: “For the future we will continue our discussions with the KCFA in order to try to resolve this anomaly that may bring about a more permanent and sensible solution.”

Nationwide Conference South outfit Welling United charged full first team prices (£9 and £5) for their Kent Senior Cup quarter-final tie against their Ryman Premier League rivals Bromley last night.

Wings manager Adrian Pennock told www.kentishfootball.co.uk on Sunday afternoon that he’ll be making wholesale changes to his team that lost 1-0 at Yeading in the league at the weekend.

In fact nine changes were made and only Keith Rowland and James Pinnock that started the game in west London started against Bromley.

A sixteen man squad made up of youth team players, apart from Rowland, Pinnock, Lee Shearer and Daniel Moore – with Pennock coming off the bench at half-time – were defeated 7-0 by their rampant visitors, with Adrian Stone (2), Mark Willy (2), Gary Drewett (2) and Ellis Remy getting on the scoresheet at Park View Road.

Meanwhile, Gravesend & Northfleet are pleased to announce that midfielder, Bradley Johnson, has agreed a new loan deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the season.

Manager Liam Daish, whose side are without a game on Saturday, told www.gnfc.co.uk: “I am pleased that Bradley has agreed to stay.  This has been a big decision for the lad but I am sure that he will now concentrate on his football and show us all what a bright young player he is.”

Johnson and club captain Paul McCarthy both miss the game at Kidderminster Harriers on 11^th February through suspension.