Rebels making amends for false start

FC United are apologising to supporters after their Boxing Day clash with Witton Albion was washed out and abandoned.

Despite the match referee declaring the pitch at Gigg Lane fit to play just before kick off after an earlier inspection, the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Premier Division fixture was abandoned on ten minutes with Witton Albion leading 1-0.

FCUM say that with rain at kick off threatening the fixture, managers Karl Marginson and Brian Pritchard agreed to go ahead with the game after consultations with match officials and confirmation that contingency plans were in place to reimburse fans.

In a statement issued afterwards, FCUM General manager Andy Walsh confirmed supporters were handed ticket vouchers for the rearranged fixture on leaving the ground and anyone requiring a full refund can contact the club.

Walsh said: "We would like to apologise to all those supporters who came to Gigg Lane today only for the game against Witton Albion to be abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch.

"On his arrival at the ground the referee inspected the pitch and found that the surface was playable. The referee inspected the pitch again prior to the kick off and after consultation with both managers agreed the pitch remained playable. Unfortunately persistent rainfall resulted in surface water across large areas of the pitch and the referee had no option but to abandon the game after only ten minutes.

"It was not possible to give refunds to supporters exiting the ground instead supporters were given a voucher at the exit. This voucher will be valid for the rearranged fixture once known. Any supporter who requires a refund should return their voucher along with their name, address and contact details to the FC United office."