Cup tie switch as Linnets fail to get venue’s approval

BURSCOUGH have been forced to give up home advantage for this weekend’s FA Vase First Round Qualifying clash against Hallam Town after the club failed to gain FA/league clearance to stage the tie.

The Linnets announced on Sunday afternoon that despite the best help and guidance given to them by the North West Counties Football League, they would be switching the venue.

‘‘Time has got the better of us in getting the new stadium cleared through FA/league grading in time to stage our FA Vase tie,’’ said the club’s Twitter account.

‘‘The tie has now been switched to Hallam FC for which we thank them for their support. Also the @NWCFL for their help and guidance in these final stages.’’

The change had been flagged up by the Sheffield club on Saturday afternoon, when the club’s Twitter account read: ‘‘Our game against BurscoughFC1946 will now be played at HOME due to a change of venue being required.’’

The Northern Counties East Football League Division One side, which plays at a level below Burscough in the pyramid, added: ‘‘We apologise for any convenience (sic), however the decision was only made earlier today.’’

Tickets went on sale at the start of this week with no tickets available on the day of the match.

BURSCOUGH came away from Pilkington FC with a 3-1 victory in Saturday’s friendly match at St Helens.

Linnets, who were the better side in the first half, scored through Adam Weston and a brace from Josh Quarless.

Last Wednesday evening saw them come away with a 5-2 victory at Garstang, with goals from Weston (pen), Gibson, Quarless, Robinson-Murray and Quirk making it a goalfest at the Riverside.