We want a south London venue for the London Senior Trophy Final, says Glebe chairman Rocky McMillan

The London Football Association has defended their choice of venue for their London Senior Trophy Final.

The finalists, Chislehurst-based Kent Invicta League side Glebe and Tooting Bec have been told that they must travel to Enfield Town to contest the showpiece final on Tuesday 3 May 2016.

“Sadly, due to a lack of availability at the best venues we often have to book final venues before we know finalists,” said a statement from The London FA.

“It’s not ideal in this case and as a result our processes will be reviewed again for next season.

“On the plus side, congratulations for making the final.  The ground is a great venue and will be enjoyed by many.”

Sending two clubs from south of the River Thames to a north London venue, especially coming to terms with Tuesday night traffic seems crazy, especially when a club like Beckenham Town would be an ideal venue for both clubs and will attract a better attendance.

Glebe chairman Rocky McMillan agrees, adding, “I’m sure the ground (Enfield Town) is excellent.  However, if we had a south London venue I could get at least 150 there!”

Surely, common sense should prevail in this matter.

Meanwhile, Sheppey United’s 3-1 home win over Glebe on Easter Monday, attracted a record crowd in five years of Kent Invicta League football when 715 flocked through the turnstiles at Holm Park.

Long-term leaders Glebe have slipped down to third-place in the table on 69 points from 30 games after suffering back-to-back 3-1 defeats to Sheppey United and Bearsted over Easter.

The Bears lead the way on 73 points, followed by Sheppey United (71), as the promotion race hots up with two clubs claiming promotion.

Simon Copley’s Glebe are also in another final, the Kent Invicta League Challenge Trophy, where they will play the winner of Wednesday night’s Semi-Final tie between Bridon Ropes and Sutton Athletic, who play their re-match at Glebe’s Foxbury Avenue (7:30pm).

The original fixture, at Meridian FC in Charlton, was abandoned in extra-time with the scores tied at 1-1 due to the floodlights were switched off by a timer at 22:00 and could not be switched on again.

Article published: 13:15 29/03/2016