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Page last updated at 14:09 GMT, Thursday, 14 January 2010

Ashford owner calls for use of all-weather pitches

Non League

Ashford Town co-owner Don Crosbie has said that non league clubs should be allowed to play on all-weather pitches.

His comments came after wintry conditions caused a series of postponements at the club's ground.

Crosbie told BBC Radio Kent: "Clubs like us will die if we can't play. The 3G pitches are superb, non-league teams should be allowed to fit them."

Ashford have played just five home games all season, the last successful fixture was a cup tie on 20 October.

The Ryman South club share their Homelands ground with Ryman Premier side Maidstone United, who also have not played a home game in nearly three months.

"The old-fashioned artificial pitches weren't up to standard. But the technology I've looked at in the new third-generation surfaces is fantastic," said Crosbie.

"If the FA were to relax their rules on the use of all-weather pitches, I think it would be sensible for all clubs at our level to install them. Ground maintenance costs could be dramatically reduced."



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see also
Stones future in doubt - chairman
13 Jan 10 |  Non League
Stones count cost of postponement
14 Dec 09 |  Football


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