A pitch in time

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: COMMONsense has prevailed when it comes to determining which grass pitches are available for play throughout the season.

A call to Oldham Council’s pitch cancellation line is answered with: “The trial to leave the pitch inspections to the referees on the day of the match has been extended to this season”.

This replaces the previous system, whereby a team of pitch inspectors would visit playing areas on Friday mornings and make a decision on their condition.

Often, they would find pitches wet and muddy and declare them unfit, only for a dry Saturday and Sunday to reveal perfect conditions.

Understandably, this led to a lot of frustration.



A charity football match in memory of Billy Grogan, who died at the age of 69 in August, will take place on the all-weather surface at Brierley Avenue, Failsworth, on December 13 (noon).

Failsworth Tigers will take on a side representing Failsworth pubs, with proceeds being shared between Failsworth West Junior FC and The Stroke Association.

Further details from Tony Keight on 07745 216634.