Wolves Women’s team wiped out with ‘food poisoning’ with derby clash against West Brom called off

WOLVES WOMEN’s Challenge Cup clash with West Brom has been postponed due to an outbreak of food poisoning.

Dan McNamara’s troops were set to take on the Baggies in the semi-final of the tournament on Sunday afternoon.

But the match has been postponed after 11 players were struck down with food poisoning.

An excerpt of a club statement read: “Wolves Women’s Birmingham Challenge Cup semi-final with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday has been postponed due to illness within the Old Gold camp.

“Dan McNamara’s side have been unable to train this week due to an outbreak which has affected the large majority of players and staff members.”

Wolves’ academy manager of operations Laura Nicholls has blamed the outbreak on a dodgy meal they had after their match with Reading last Sunday.

She said: “Unfortunately, following the FA Cup victory at Reading on Sunday, a high percentage of our squad have fallen ill which we’ve aligned to the post-match food they received because it’s also affected Reading.

“14 of the playing staff and four of our coaching staff have been affected.

“Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to train this week or complete any preparation.

“We spoke with the County FA to get some support to cancel the game because we need to put the health of the players first.

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“We’re all really disappointed. Sunday was a fantastic victory for us and we wanted to take that momentum into another high-profile game – a Black Country derby in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup which we want to retain.

“We won the competition last year and it’s something we’re keen to progress and do well in.”

Members of staff have also been hit for six.

Nicholls added: “Originally we had 10 or 11 who reported they were ill on Monday and Tuesday.

“Then we had four or five more since then across the players and staff.

“We’ve even had some today and I know Reading are in a similar situation where it’s taking a bit of time for some people to see the effects and some of the effects have been quite dangerous so it’s important we put the health of the players first.”

Both teams are currently in discussions over a new date for the fixture.

Nicholls said: “We’ll work with West Brom to find a date that works for both of us alongside our league fixtures.

“It’s a really high-profile game and I know the fans of both clubs will be disappointed that they’ve not been able to come and support.

“From our perspective, we’ll make sure we get a date agreed with West Brom as soon as possible, get that publicised and give everyone the chance to attend and cheers both teams on.”

West Brom confirmed the postponement of the match on their website.

Their statement read: “Albion Women’s Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Wolves has been postponed.

“The fixture was due to be played at the New Bucks Head on Sunday, January 21 – but has now been postponed due to illness in the Wolves camp.

“A new date for the game will be announced in due course.”

SunSport have contacted Reading for comment.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk