Guernsey FC stripped of home advantage in play-offs
Guernsey FC will consider appealing against a decision to strip them of home advantage for their Southern Combination Premier Division play-off final.
Will Fazakerley scored two goals in their semi-final to help Guernsey FC reach the play-off final [Fran Torode] Guernsey FC have said they will consider appealing against a decision to strip them of home advantage for their Southern Combination Premier Division play-off final. The Green Lions, who finished the season in third place, were due to host fifth-placed Peacehaven and Telscombe on Sunday, 10 May for a place in the eighth tier of English football. But the game coincides with Guernsey's annual Liberation Day celebrations which has led to difficulties arranging travel to the island for their opponents due to busy flight schedules.
The fixture is now set to be played on the English mainland on either Tuesday 12 or Wednesday, 13 May. "The right to home advantage was earned on merit through a third-place league finish and victory in our semi-final," Guernsey FC said in a statement. "The removal of the opportunity to host what would have been a major occasion, in front of a large crowd, undermines the integrity of the competition and is a position the club does not accept.
"Our primary concern is for the substantial number of supporters from both clubs who have already made travel and accommodation arrangements in good faith, committing significant financial resources based on the original confirmation. "The club is extremely disappointed by this situation, fully recognises the impact this late and unexpected decision will have, and is deeply concerned that this does not appear to have been given due consideration by the league. " The game cannot be played on the following weekend as Guernsey's representative side travel to face Jersey in the Muratti Vase final at Springfield on Saturday, 16 May.
Guernsey reached the final after a 3-0 win over Horsham YM in their semi-final last Saturday. Fazakerley double helps Guernsey FC reach play-off final It is the second successive year a Channel Island side has seen their play-off game postponed. Jersey Bulls had to wait until 28 May last year to play their Combined Counties League play-off final after delays caused by both themselves and fellow high-fliers Redhill being deducted points for playing ineligible players.