FC United of Manchester win appeal to move Stockton Town fixture back to Broadhurst Park

FC United of Manchester have won their appeal against the Northern Premier League’s decision to move Tuesday night’s crucial fixture with Stockton Town to a neutral venue.

The Football Association’s appeal board ruled in favour of the club on Friday, overturning the league’s original decision and ordering that FC United’s proposal be implemented – meaning the game is now scheduled to take place at Broadhurst Park.

The fixture had previously been switched to Curzon Ashton’s Tameside Stadium following concerns over further postponements, with the match already called off six times this season due to pitch issues.

A final decision on whether the game will go ahead at Broadhurst Park or be moved to Curzon Ashton will be made jointly by the club and the Northern Premier League on Monday, with kick-off set for 7.45pm regardless of venue.

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Hearing

In a statement, the club said: “This morning, the club appeared in front of a Football Association Appeal Board, challenging the decision made by the Northern Premier League to move Tuesday’s fixture against Stockton Town to a neutral venue.

“After hearing the case, the appeal board has ruled in favour of the club, overturned the decision made by the Northern Premier League, and ordered that the club’s submitted proposal for this fixture be implemented.

“Accordingly, Tuesday’s fixture against Stockton Town will be scheduled to be held at Broadhurst Park. 

“With the weather forecast currently favourable, we are confident that the game will go ahead at Broadhurst Park. 

“However, a joint decision will be taken between the club and the Northern Premier League on Monday 20th April as to whether the fixture will remain at Broadhurst Park, or whether it must be moved to Curzon Ashton.

“We request that supporters check our website and social media channels on Monday and Tuesday for final confirmation.”

Fallout

The dispute caused a viral storm last week.

League chairman Mark Harris was relieved of his duties, subject to an investigation, after an alleged abusive email exchange with an FC United supporter surfaced during the fallout from the original venue decision.

FC United had strongly opposed the switch, arguing the postponements were unavoidable and that contingency plans could mitigate the risk of further disruption, particularly given the match’s significance in the promotion race.

On the successful appeal, the club added: “We would like to thank the members of the appeal board for the full and fair hearing that they gave our case.

“We will release further detail regarding the decision to co-owners once we receive the full written reasons for the decision from the Football Association.”

The NPL issued a statement on the appeal, which read: “The Northern Premier League fully acknowledges and respects the decision of the independent FA appeals panel, to uphold FC United of Manchester’s appeal in respect of next Tuesday’s [21 April 2026] FC United of Manchester versus Stockton Town fixture.

“We now look forward to the fixture to be played at Broadhurst Park, in what is an exciting end to the Northern Premier League season.”

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