Crowborough Athletic decide it's time to come home

CROWBOROUGH ATHLETIC have confirmed their exile in Maidstone will end next month.

The Crows entered into a temporary three-month ground share agreement with Vanarama National League club Maidstone United at the start of the season as it was hoped that the club would be able to get a 3G pitch laid at the Community Stadium.

“All parties still remain committed to the installation of a 3G pitch at our home however, the process of getting everything sorted out has, and is, taking far longer than any of us thought it would,” said a club statement.

“However, a commitment such as the size and magnitude of installing a 3G pitch must be done correctly and properly and therefore, cannot be rushed through.

“With the winter months fast approaching it would now be impossible to start the process of installing a 3G pitch as the weather would cause the project significant problems even if everything was in place to do so.

“The Executive Committee therefore decided that it would be best for all concerned if notice was given to Maidstone United that we would not be playing any future matches at their excellent Gallagher Stadium after our last scheduled home Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division fixture on Thursday 26th October 2017 against Bearsted.

“The required notice was sent to the Stones at the beginning of October as per the contractual arrangements in place.

“With the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division fixtures currently as they are, we are not due to be playing our next home fixture until we face Corinthian FC on Saturday 25th November 2017.  Before then we are away at near neighbours Rusthall on Saturday 4th November and away to Erith Town on Saturday 18th November 2017.

“Therefore, that leaves Saturday 11th November as a blank fixture at present and this is due to it being designated the date for the FA Vase Second Round Proper fixtures.

“Many of you will already know that this is where the Crows enter the competition this season due to how well we did in the 2016/17 FA Vase campaign.

“The FA Vase First Round Proper fixtures are played this weekend whilst we face Chatham Town in the league therefore, come Monday 23rd October 2017, around 1:00pm, we'll know if we have been drawn at home or away in the Second Round Proper. So our first fixture back at the Community Stadium could be a home FA Vase Second Round Proper tie or indeed, if drawn away, it could be a replay tie during the following midweek.

“Whenever our first fixture back at the Community Stadium is, the club are sure that it will please all our fans just as much as it does everyone else connected with the Crows.

“We look forward to seeing as many supporters as possible at the Community Stadium, not just for the initial game but for every remaining home game during the season.”

Visit Crowborough Athletic’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/crowboroughathletic