League will investigate late call-off

By Matthew Nash

BULLS-EYE: Fraser Barlow celebrates for Jersey Bulls earlier this season

PICTURE: Gary House

THE Combined Counties League have asked for statements from all parties involved in the cancellation of Saturday’s match between Jersey Bulls and Horley Town.

Visitors Horley failed to travel from Gatwick airport for the Premier Division South clash and initially posted at 1.59pm on X: “Our game today with @JerseyBullsFC has been abandoned due to an issue with boarding the plane at London Gatwick.

“The game will be referred to the league committee and we’ll await the outcome. We can only apologise to our fans who have already made the journey over.”

However, after receiving a follow-up question as to the nature of the issue preventing them from flying out for the 4pm kick-off at Springfield Stadium, Town blamed the airline for confusion over their luggage allowance.

They replied: “EasyJet boarded 4 of our matchday squad and then refused to board the rest deeming their baggage too large despite the players who had gone through having the same bag.”

The home side made little comment, posting only that “the game has been officially cancelled and we await an outcome from the league”. It is understood to be the first time such a circumstance has occurred since Bulls joined the English pyramid nearly five years ago.

Combined Counties League chairman, director and honorary general secretary Chris Conlon revealed he would be opening a probe into the unusual goings-on last weekend but hopes the situation can be dealt with promptly.

He said: “I am investigating the situation and have asked both clubs and the match officials for their statements about what happened.

“I need to get detail from all parties before we can discuss it and the rate at which we deal with this depends on how quickly we get statements from both clubs.

“I will then call a board meeting to discuss the matter and that is something I hope to be able to do by the end of this week.”

Jersey hosted unbeaten leaders Farnham Town yesterday.