Eastleigh P-P Chester

[Alan Attack]

I note there was a thread on this very subject on Saturday which got shouted down a little ie this isn’t a chester forum. However, given the circumstances of this postponement, is it unreasonable to suggest a) Eastleigh forfeit the match 3-0 to their opponent; and b) they’re docked points?

I’ve heard in the background that they were struggling to field a team, let alone a squad on Saturday but that’s by the by.

I’ve heard, from my chester supporting friend, that a drainage gully was blocked in the ground and a sprinkle was left on overnight. I doubt the rain was that heavy on the south coast on Friday night/Saturday morning as England played the Windies at the Rose Bowl.

A statement regarding the game’s postponement reads: "Following a pitch inspection from today’s match officials, our game against Chester has been postponed.

"It is with regret this decision has been made so close to kick-off. However, every care had been taken in advance of the game to prevent this from happening.

"A match official was called in on Friday afternoon to view the pitch and, following this inspection, it was deemed safe to play. This information was relayed to today’s referee Mr Savvas Yianni on Friday afternoon.

"Upon arriving at the ground today, the match officials have taken the view that player safety was at risk and decided to postpone the game.

"Ground staff had covered the small affected area overnight to protect the surface from any rainfall which was forecast.

"However, the problem with this area of the pitch is not a surface water issue but a sub-soil drainage problem. Additional drainage has been installed in the affected area over the past week.

"This issue is being addressed immediately and emergency work will commence Monday.

Is this really good enough?

It would set an interesting precedent if points were docked but if the weather wasn’t an issue then surely it’s the club’s fault. Of course, the weather issue would need to be fully investigated.

We’ve seen the Conference dock points for teams failing to register players correctly so, in my view, failing to make sure the playing surface is in a playable condition (subject to weather) should also be looked at.

From their statement two months ago, Eastleigh said they had drainage problems in a corner of the ground yet have seemingly made no/little effort to address it.

It really isn’t good enough but until the Conference deal with this, teams will continue to take the mick. I’m talking about Braintree and Newport who continually had matches called off.

Of course, we’ve had our own drainage issues but in our defence, it usually follows heavy rainfall or, in the winter, when the sun seldom shines on half of the pitch screened by the Mold Road stand.

[SE19 Exile]

Talking to a Southampton fan over here who knows the set up at Eastleigh well. Apparently their pitch has a natural underground reservoir below it (as opposed to above it I suppose) and has been an ongoing issue for years.

[Alan Attack]

Wasn’t Braintree similar? Their water table was incredible high. If you miss the bowl when having a slash you risk the match being called off.

[CRUMBS]

They should compensate the fans above all , did they fork it over did they try to get it ready over the previous days knowing that area could be a problem , or was it a convenient postponement for them , you have to wonder .

[smiffysarmy]

Good result for Chester that, they didnt lose.

[BillEBadass]

I feel genuinely sorry for Chester's travelling support and they should be compensated - that's a very long trip on a motorbike,

[Bryn Tirion]

Originally Posted by BillEBadass

I feel genuinely sorry for Chester's travelling support and they should be compensated - that's a very long trip on a motorbike,

To be fair there was a sidecar as well.

[panda23]

Originally Posted by Bryn Tirion

To be fair there was a sidecar as well.

Refund for Olive campaign already started on Deva chat

[The Bapster]

Eastleigh may have to dig up pitch to solve drainage problem, says chief executive - BBC Sport