AFC Liverpool wish to apologise to supporters inconvenienced by the late postponement of yesterday’s fixture with Silsden, a decision that was objected to by both teams as well as North West Counties officials.

A pitch inspection, carried out at 11am, gave the go ahead for the game but a further inspection, carried out by the match officials at 1.45pm, reversed that decision. This was contrary to the opinion of both teams and three North West Counties League officials who were present for the game.

‘I wish to apologise to members and supporters of both sides for the inconvenience suffered,’ said Chris Stirrup, AFC Liverpool chairman. ‘AFC Liverpool and the NWCFL have complained to the FA over yesterday as in their opinion, as well as Silsden’s, the pitch was perfectly playable. If it was playable at 11am, it was playable at 3pm.’

‘There was three NWCFL officials there yesterday who tried their best to get the game on and they reminded the referee of the rules as to why the game should take place as well as making us aware of the ruling over postponed games. However, all points raised with the referee were dismissed by the match official and the game was postponed.’

For Silsden to have travelled, for all the preparation work and cost of a matchday wasted and for the inconvenience to members and supporters alike, with each aspect as important as the other for me, what happened yesterday was a disgrace.’

AFC Liverpool will work to improve the speed by which such further information can be put up on the website to keep supporters informed with the latest situation.