Decision to postpone displeases Kildare

KILDARE County bosses have expressed disappointment at the postponement of Saturday’s eircom League of Ireland First Division clash with Athlone Town.

Athlone’s Lissywollen pitch was declared unplayable at 6pm on Saturday evening, just one hour before the scheduled kick-off.

The Thoroughbreds have apologised to their fans who travelled to the Westmeath venue in anticipation of seeing their side’s opening league encounter.

A statement on the club’s website reads: “At no time were we made aware that there was a potential problem with the playability of the pitch. We were not informed that a pitch inspection was carried out at around 2pm.

“Our playing staff and management arrived at the ground at approximately 5pm. In the opinion of our senior management the pitch was most definitely not playable. This view was relayed to Athlone Town staff.

“The match officials declared the pitch unplayable at approximately 6pm, one hour before scheduled kick-off.

“Kildare County is unhappy, with the lack of communication which resulted in many people incurring unnecessary cost in travelling to the venue.

“The rules regarding the inspection of pitches etc are clearly laid down in the Participation Agreement, and Kildare County will take up the matter with the FAI eircom League of Ireland immediately.”

County will now get their season underway by hosting Shelbourne at Station Road on Friday night.

Meanwhile the first and second round draws for the FAI Ford Senior Challenge Cup were made last night by FAI President David Blood and former Cork City manager Damien Richardson.

FAI Ford Senior Challenge Cup (1st Round): Fanad United v Carrigaline United; Douglas Hall v Castlebar Celtic; Mervue United v Lissadel United. (Fixtures to be played weekend ending, Sunday, March 30).

FAI Ford Senior Challenge Cup (2nd Round): Corduff United v St Mary’s; Avondale United v Drogheda Town; Douglas Hall / Castlebar Celtic v Belgrove; Crumlin United v Liffey Pearse; Salthill Devon v Rockmount A; Killester United v Bangor Celtic; Swilly Rovers v Wayside Celtic; St James Gate v Carrick United; Everton v Tullamore; Mervue United /Lissadel United v Fanad United/Carrigaline United.

(Fixtures to be played weekend ending, Sunday, April 20)