Backlog of fixtures forces league to act

OFFICIALS from the Rochdale and Oldham Youth League are to apply to the Lancashire FA to extend their season into May.

With all matches in December postponed and a blank so far in January, clubs are facing a huge backlog of fixtures.

In the hope that the weather relents, the league have published games for this weekend, but with heavy rain due to arrive over the next couple of days, players may be left at a loose end once again come Sunday.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” said league chairperson Bridget Meehan.

“I’ve know some bad winters, but nothing quite like this before. Some teams have only played four games.

“One or two clubs are working hard on their grounds in an attempt to get games on, but the weather seems against them all the time — and the long-range forecast isn’t too promising either.

“The season is due to finish on the last Sunday in April, but we will be emailing the Lancashire FA for an extension.

“But it’s not just our league trying to fit in fixtures. Everyone is in the same boat, so a problem could arise when it comes to booking pitches for midweek games.”

The league, which consists of three divisions, are thinking of ways to fulfil matches.

One idea is for teams who haven’t met each other in the league this season to play two shortened games, with a break in-between, on the same day. However, this option would only be put into practice with the agreement of both camps.

“It’s a way of getting rid of two matches,” said Meehan.

“We’ve got to do something because, at this rate, teams could be playing Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday once the lighter nights come along.

“There is also the added complication of County Cup ties as they take precedence over league games.

“Our league presentation night is on June 11 and, whatever happens, we’ve got to complete the divisions and play the cup finals well before that date.”