Royals make grade to return home

The Royals were given the green light on Friday to take on Workington in the EVO-STIK NPL's top flight after the 3G pitch at their Coles Lane home passed its FIFA test.

Laid nearly five years ago, the artificial turf surface was cleared for action by the EVO-STIK NPL after the club successfully resolved undulation issues that have forced the Royals to play away from home since their 1-1 draw on the opening day of the season with Whitby Town at Eastwood Town's ground.

A club spokesman said: "The Royals are delighted to confirm that the work carried out on the pitch this week has been successful in resolving the undulation issues that resulted in failure of the FIFA test earlier in the year.

"The pitch is now compliant in all respects - bounce, roll, density and undulations - with any undulations being less than the 10mm tolerance that is allowed for synthetic pitches."

After hosting the Royals on Saturday with manager Neil Tooth still looking for his first win of the season, ground-share tenants Romulus kick off their campaign at Coles Lane on Bank Holiday Monday when they take on Newcastle Town in a 3pm kick-off.

Images courtesy of Sutton Coldfield Town FC & agroundhoppersdiary.blogspot.com

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague | The NPL Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/