MELKSHAM Town’s dream of promotion have been shattered after the Football Association announced the immediate end of the non-league season and declared the campaign null and void due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Town were sitting fifth in the Southern League South when the lock down began, enough to clinch one of four play-off places. As things stood, Town would have competed with Frome Town, Larkhall Athletic and Winchester City in the end-of-season play-offs with the winner clinching promotion to the Southern League Premier Division.
In the past, if a season had to finish early, a points-per-game system was used to decide the final standings and this system was favoured by a lot of clubs who have been angered by the FA’s decision. This system would have meant Town staying in fifth spot to clinch a play-off place.
“It’s obviously a massive blow to the club to see the season end in this way,” said club chairman Darren Perrin. “We’ve had a tremendous season, particularly after the poor start so everyone at the club is bitterly disappointed. Promotion would have taken us into the Southern League Premier Division for the first time in our history so its a big disappointment but nothing can detract from the magnificent efforts by the manager and his team, the players, the supporters, the behind the scenes staff and indeed, everyone involved with the club.
“And I’ve got to pay a special mention to the supporters; we’ve been the best supported team in the league by some distance and the fans must be bitterly disappointed to miss out on a chance of promotion.
“But I think the FA have probably made the right decision; it was very difficult to decide things in any other way.
“Going forward, things are going to be really difficult for us. Our income has been decimated; we’ve obviously lost the match day income but also we had five Wiltshire cup finals planned at the ground, plus weddings, parties and other events booked. It’s going to be a really really tough time.
“But we’ll survive and bounce back.
“I hope everyone stays safe. Look after your loved ones and we hope to see you all again whenever this is all over.”
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