Blues see red as pitch left far from perfect to play on

AN Armagh football club was forced to take matters into its own hands after a team from ABC Council left the pitch in an unplayable state.

The Millfield at Drumadd - home of the Armagh Blues - had only just been mown.

But the crews who cut the grass left it lying in clumps instead of clearing it up afterwards.

The Blues, in their recent fixture, had been due to face Castlecaulfield in the first round of the Junior Cup.

Had they not stepped in to clear the grass themselves - borrowing the necessary equipment to get the job done - the game would have been axed and rescheduled and the club possibly fined.

They are, understandably, far from happy with ABC Council.

And local DUP Councillor Scott Armstrong is to seek a meeting to discuss the situation, which he has branded “unacceptable”.

Armagh Blues took to social media to lament the lack of support to prepare the pitch on the day of the match.

“Unfortunately after no help from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council after the condition the pitch was left in after being cut our match today was on the brink of being called off due to the conditions of the pitch,” they wrote. “Thankfully a few lads got out this morning to rectify the issue of the condition of the pitch; lines weren’t to be seen nor was the pitch up to standard for our Junior Cup game today.

“But thankfully the hard work paid off and the Blues go marching on!”

As it happens, the Armagh men beat their County Tyrone opponents 4-3 to book their place in the second round of the competition.

But they want reassurances that such a situation will not arise again.

Councillor Scott Armstrong (pictured) is on the ball in that regard and is determined that the Blues will not pay the penalty as a result of work not being completed on time and to the required standards.

He confirmed he is seeking a meeting with both the Heads of Environmental Services and Health and Leisure departments.

Councillor Armstrong told how he had been contacting council from July with regards to various issues, including grass cutting, damage to dug-outs and access for the team.

But the “breaking point” came on the day of the Junior Cup clash when the pitch was left in such a state.

“The pitch was cut, but excess grass was left on it and, if not for willing individuals and volunteers who worked on the pitch right up to kick-off, the match could have been abandoned and the club fined,” he explained.

“I have been working closely with Armagh Blues FC over the summer in preparing the Millfield for the new season and had assurances that issues would be addressed by council to ensure a hassle-free season.”

But Councillor Armstrong said he was “horrified” by the condition of the Millfield.

“From a council point of view this is embarrassing,” he added. “How they expected a match to be played in those conditions is beyond me.

“I have requested a meeting with the council and with the club to iron out any issues that they may have. It is time that ABC Council and their staff take some pride in their facilities.

“To me this is a fairly simple problem to fix. When there is a home game, ensure that the pitch is ready. It is really that simple.

“It is my hope that council officers can meet me as soon as they can so this is put behind us.”

The Armagh DUP man said the Blues is a team that is “very close to my heart” and he wants to make sure the facilities they rely on are fit for purpose and the club is treated as it should be.

“I have strong family connections with the club, and as a local football club, they bring the community together.

“The Millfield has always been their de facto home pitch and it is paramount that the council respects that and support them.”

The Ulster Gazette contacted ABC Council but a spokesperson responded to say they would not be issuing any comment on the matter.