Park Avenue frustrated as pitch deemed unfit (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Park Avenue frustrated as pitch deemed unfit

8:01pm Sunday 17th February 2013 in Sport By Ian Whiting

Bradford Park Avenue expect tomorrow night’s home match against Vauxhall Motors to go ahead following the surprise postponement yesterday.

Avenue were due to host Colwyn Bay in the Blue Square Bet North but the match referee called the game off just over an hour before kick-off. The official deemed one section of the pitch at Horsfall Stadium was waterlogged.

Avenue will have to be on their game against Vauxhall, who beat second-placed Guiseley at the weekend. In typical football irony, the Lions look to bounce back from that when they host Colwyn Bay on Tuesday.

Avenue’s finance director Kevin Hainsworth said: “It was boggy in one area just near the centre circle.

“I don’t know where the decisions come from these days.

“But at the end of the day it is down to the match referee. We have no say in it whatsoever and that goes for club officials, managers and coaches.

“The problem is that we had so much snow on it the weekend before and again last Wednesday. The pitch was like a lake on Thursday but we worked on it to get rid of as much as we could but it didn’t dry out enough for the ref’s liking.

“In fairness the ball didn’t roll in that area when the referee was doing his pitch inspection and had the ball dropped on it during play then it wouldn’t have bounced, so it was his call.

“It was a beautiful day which made it such a shame but there you go.

“Given the forecast there should be no problems at all for the Vauxhall game.”

The postponement prevented Colwyn Bay’s new manager Frank Sinclair overseeing his first game. The former Chelsea and Leicester City man was appointed player-manager of the Welsh outfit last Monday.

Meanwhile, Avenue have put the kick-off back for this Saturday’s home fixture. Corby Town travel to Horsfall Stadium and the game will start at 4pm as Bradford Bulls are hosting St Helens in the Super League at Odsal, with the match beginning at 2pm.

Avenue’s press officer Lewis Sale said: “The rescheduled kick-off was agreed by the clubs to avoid traffic problems.

“We have also announced an offer for the supporters attending the Bulls v St Helens game on the same day.

“With proof of attendance at Odsal, such as a ticket stub or season ticket, they can gain half-price entry into our game. Further information is on the club’s website.”