IMPORTANT - Amended fixtures - 4 home games, 1 away

Supporters will be aware that since the fixtures for the coming season were announced, the club has been working hard with the league and our respective opponents to find alternative venues for our home fixtures versus Matlock, Stocksbridge, Worksop and Marine, as Bury FC are also at home on these dates. Had these clashes not been scheduled as such, we faced a scenario where we may not have had a Saturday home game for three months.

A number of alternative venues have been considered, but due a variety of availability, cost and ease of negotiation issues it is the Board’s view that Stalybridge’s Bower Fold presents us with the best alternative venue.

Unfortunately on 4th September, 23rd October and 18th December Stalybridge are also at home, meaning that we will have to play on the following Sunday for each of these fixtures. We understand that this scenario is not ideal, the Board shares the view that our games should whenever possible kick-off at 3pm on a Saturday.

However we would ask supporters to consider the following: Firstly, in line with a Football League rule, the groundshare agreement with Bury prohibits another game taking place within 48 hours of their own fixture (unless for FA Competitions which take priority) so playing these games on a Sunday at Gigg Lane was not an option we could consider. This further demonstrates the need for us to get to Ten Acres Lane as soon as possible.

Secondly, the relationship we enjoy with Stalybridge allowed for a swift and painless negotiation, which we could not guarantee would be experienced elsewhere. In this instance we simply did not have either the time or resources to enter into protracted negotiations with other venues.

Thirdly, we are fortunate to have a committed volunteer base, without whom we would not be able to stage any games. The continuity that hosting these four fixtures at one venue, rather moving from ground to ground, should not be underestimated for both our volunteers and supporters who have to make the journey.

The amended fixtures are as follows and we’d like to thank the League and our fellow member clubs for their cooperation.

Matlock Town (H) moved to Sunday 5th September at Bower Fold, SCFC
Bradford (A) moved to Wed 8th September to accommodate Matlock move.
Stocksbridge (H) remains on Saturday 18th but played at Bower Fold, SCFC.
Worksop Town (H) moved to Sunday 24th October at Bower Fold, SCFC.
Marine (H) moved to Sunday 19th December at Bower Fold, SCFC

We hope supporters appreciate the decision that has been made and support us at each of these fixtures.