Tuesday’s FA Trophy tie with St Ives Town will go ahead, albeit behind closed doors
BY JONATHAN PARSONS viaFacebookTwitter https://www.granthamtownfc.com
Whilst it was agreed this week by the majority of clubs at Step 3 not to return to League fixtures whilst the current Government Tier Restrictions are in place – a decision which the Board supported – the Football Association is continuing with FA Trophy fixtures. With South Kesteven falling into Tier 3 Restrictions, the club are forced to play Tuesday’s fixture behind closed doors.
The Board have given serious consideration to whether or not playing behind closed doors is a viable proposition, and despite last season’s FA Trophy not being completed, is surprised that the Football Association is pressing on with the competition when competing clubs located in Tier 3 are not allowed spectators and the associated gate receipts, bar takings and other income that a matchday generates. Especially considering that staff wages, match officials fees and away team travel costs need to be paid.
However, the Board are also keenly aware that the Manager and squad are itching to get back to competitive football, as well as the prize money that winning matches in the FA Trophy generates.
Quite simply, it is an unenviable position which the Club finds itself in, and the Board has huge sympathy for clubs that have already signalled their intention to withdraw from the competition due to the issues stated above.
However, in an attempt to recoup as much lost matchday revenue as possible, the Club will be live streaming Tuesday’s game, as well as offering supporters the opportunity to ‘virtually’ pay for matchday items that they would normally purchase if able to attend the fixture.
Having tested the software and equipment on Friday, the match will be streamed on Facebook, at a cost of £4.99.
in addition to the live streaming, supporters can purchase matchday items – ranging from a 50/50 ticket (which will be drawn as usual) through to being the match sponsor – via the following link – https://www.granthamtownfc.com/payments/category/other
Purchasers are reminded than when purchasing items from the Club website, these will appear in their Pitchero account once purchased.
The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank supporters for their continued support during these difficult times, and look forward to having them back at The Meres once the restrictions allow.
Supporters are strictly reminded not to head to the ground on Tuesday as access will be restricted to the players, management and officials of both teams, as well at the match officials. Stay at home and watch the game from your sofa!
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