SHOCKED fans wonder “who will foot the bill?” after FC Halifax Town switched two home games to Accrington Stanley – 26 miles away.
The move from Yorkshire to traditional fierce-rival county Lancashire follows dreadful problems all season at Halifax’s Shay ground.
Storm Kathleen meant Wednesday’s National League clash against Oldham was postponed – no surprise as the pitch is shared with rugby league team Halifax Panthers.
Now the promotion-chasing Shaymen face “home” clashes with Barnet on Saturday and Ebbsfleet United next Tuesday at League Two Accrington.
That’s left fans fuming over extra costs, including for any away supporters from the two South East clubs who have already paid for their trip.
One wrote: “Feel for any fans with train tickets to Halifax.
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“You need to book months in advance so you don’t have to remortgage your house to get a cheapish ticket, and then get screwed when it is moved ‘down the road’.
“I wonder if they will lower the cost of matchday pay on gate for change of venue??”
Other supporters hope Calderdale Council are forced into action as Halifax’s pitch and drainage system have been criticised all season.
One said of the double switch to Accrington: “If THAT doesn’t absolutely SHAME @Calderdale to finally fix the pitch, nothing ever will! Shame on them!!! 52 MILE RETURN DRIVE.”
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The Halifax Courier say the council are promising “intensive improvements” in the summer.
Town themselves stated “the difficult decision” was made to move the two games “following recent issues with the pitch at the Shay”.
Halifax and fans of all the clubs involved have praised Accrington for stepping in to help.
Stanley chairman Andy Holt posted: “Happy to help out wherever possible.”
The Shaymen are seventh in the NL – the final play-off spot – with four games remaining.
Eight-placed Aldershot are their main challengers – a point behind, having played a game more.
Ironically, the Shots saw Tuesday’s 606-mile round trip to Gateshead called off just 25 minutes before kick-off due to a rain-hit pitch.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
