Eastleigh To Refund Chester Fans Following Late Postponement

Just hours before kick-off on Saturday September 30th, upon inspecting the playing surface, match officials postponed the match due to a waterlogged pitch.

Chester players and fans had either arrived at the Silverlake Stadium or were close when the news broke.

But today Eastleigh have announced they will be reimbursing Chester supporters and allowing them in for free.

The fixture will now take place Tuesday, October 31 with a 7.45pm kick-off.

A statement on the club's website read: "Following the well documented and untimely postponement of our National League fixture against Chester, we can confirm that numerous conversations have taken place with National League representatives, the FA, and Chester Football Club.

"As a result, we have agreed to reimburse Chester, for the costs they incurred in relation to both the team and supporters’ travel. We have also agreed on an additional sum aimed at covering the costs incurred by Chester fans travelling independently.

"Chester have asked that any claim for reimbursement of bona fide travelling costs is directed to them. We have received half a dozen emails in relation to this matter from visiting fans and have redirected these accordingly.

"As a further gesture of goodwill, we will provide free entry for all Chester fans for the rearranged fixture.

"Having carried out extensive repair works to our pitch this summer, no one is more disappointed at this situation than ourselves. Full pitch repairs are underway and an update on this will follow shortly.

"As a club that is fully committed to providing affordable football to the local community, we feel it is only right and fair to reimburse the travelling fans as we understand only too well how expensive following the modern game has become.

"Agreed protocol has been put in place with both the National League and the FA going forward, and we sincerely hope this is a situation which will not arise again in the future.

"Our apologies go to both sets of supporters who were hoping to attend the original fixture."