Following recent speculation on social media the club have been left with no option but to release the following statement regarding our upcoming Anglian Combination fixture with Long Stratton.

This fixture was initially scheduled to take place on Saturday 9th December but was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

This was then rearranged for Monday 2nd April but was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Earlier in the season we blocked out some dates which were agreed by the league but the next available date suggested by the league fell within the week which was made unavailable so the club was asked to suggest an alternative date.

We first suggested next Tuesday (10th April) but Long Stratton were not able to set up their pitch and facilities in time for a 6.15pm Kick-Off. And if they did manage to find a way to do so it would mean having to select from a weakened squad and with no floodlights meant a later Kick-Off was not acheivable.

We then suggested to play on Tuesday 8th May but this was declined by the league as this is the night of the Mummery Cup Final.

This then only left dates after the Cup Final but Long Stratton would be unable to host as their club house is being demolished so is not available after this date.

With no other midweeks free due to other fixtures, we suggested a switch of venue to Mulberry Park on Tuesday 10th April with the aim of getting the fixture played. This was accepted by both Long Stratton and the league and as we have floodlights we offered a later kick-off time to ensure everybody has sufficient time to get to the game.

As you can see, every effort was made by all three parties involved within the league rules and whilst we appreciate this is rare, it is not the first time it has happened. Our Reserves recently played a cup Quarter-Final away from home after it got postponed at our place three times.

The club will not be commenting further on this matter and we now look forward to getting on with the football. If for any reason you have any queries then may we politely ask that you contact our club secretary or the league.

MWFC