Tonbridge Angels chairman Dave Netherstreet feeling very disappointed that opening day game against Weymouth switched to an away game as new 3G pitch at Longmead Stadium will not be ready in time

TONBRIDGE ANGELS’ opening Vanarama National League South game of the season against Weymouth has been switched to an away game as their new artificial pitch at Longmead Stadium will not be ready in time.

 

A club statement said: “Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of our contractors who are installing our new 3G pitch, because of a delay in the supply of certain material coupled with the extremely high temperatures that are now forecasted for today and tomorrow, there could not be a cast iron guarantee that the pitch works would be completed in time for the first home fixture that would provide spectators and players with a safe environment.

“In technical terms the shock absorption layer of the pitch is failing to cure on schedule because of the very hot weather in south east England, which remains with us for the time being.

“This in turn is preventing our contractors from installing the final carpet layer.

“The pitch handover date has therefore slipped to the beginning of August, which the board believes is too much of a risk to guarantee the schedule match on 6 August going ahead as planned.

Chairman Dave Netherstreet added: ”I am very disappointed that this decision had to be taken as so many people, contractors, volunteers and staff have worked so hard to meet the 6 August date and up to four weeks ago there was still the belief that this date was attainable.

“Unfortunately, due to material supply problems and the extremely high temperatures that have been forecast the risk that the ground would not be ready to hose the game was one that the board felt could not be taken.”

Jay Saunders’ side will play their first home game on the new artificial surface when Hampton & Richmond Borough visit Longmead Stadium on Saturday 20 August 2022 (15:00).

Meanwhile, the Open Day on Sunday 31 July is still going ahead from 12:00 to allow supporters to meet the manager and players informally.

Visit Tonbridge Angels’ website: www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk