Second may be enough

Apr 2 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

IN A REMARKABLE twist in Lairds’ chase for promotion to the UniBond League Premier Division, rumours are abound that leaders Retford United may be denied promotion due to their ground failing to meet FA standards.

Retford were due to be graded on Tuesday, April 1, and it was clear that they would not have the required number of 150 seats as required by the rules.

Should the Nottinghamshire outfit fail, then it would mean that the club finishing in second place would take the automatic promotion place.

Lairds are currently sitting in second, two points ahead of Nantwich Town but holding a game in hand.

UniBond ground-grader Phil Varney said: “Retford United have got a lot of work to do and they only have until the league’s deadline of March 31 to do it. They knew a year ago what work had to be done and if they haven’t done it by March 31, there can be no excuses.”

Lairds passed their own grading two weeks ago and are anxiously awaiting the decision when it is made public later this week.

Meanwhile, Cammell Laird travelled to Nottinghamshire and in atrocious conditions succumbed 2-0 to the champions elect Retford United in the UniBond League Division One South last Saturday.

United got off to the perfect start in the fourth minute, when Ryan Handley smashed home a cross from the right hand side.

Lairds healthy band of travelling supporters were dismayed 20 minutes from time, when skipper Anthony Lynch’s attempted headed clearance went into his own net.

The Wirral side have two home matches in quick succession this week. Tonight, they play host to Alsager Town and will be hoping to record their fourth victory of the season against the Bullets, kick-off at Kirklands is 7.45pm.

Saturday sees the return of the Oldest Football Club in the World, Sheffield FC, to Birkenhead, kick-off at 3pm.