On his second anniversary of taking charge at Woodstock, Sittingbourne boss Ryan Maxwell should have been celebrating this evening, but instead an “electrical” issue at Hartsdown Park postponed the eagerly awaited League clash between Margate and the Brickies. 

Maxwell was stunned at the postponement especially after being told that replacement floodlight bulbs were available at Hartsdown Park.

Talking to KSN just after the postponement was announced late-afternoon, Maxwell told us, “It’s an extremely disappointing evening! I was on my way to Hartsdown as were some of the players and the kitmen, only to be told that the lights weren’t working!”

“Not only is it disappointing, it is questionable having spoken to people at Margate, apparently it was an issue with bulbs that are actually at the ground so they could have been changed, so why the game is not on is absolutely ridiculous, it should be on as a quick change of bulb would have been all it took!” 

“We were told they had a problem at 11:00 am this morning, that the game might not be on, which was strange in itself as it was broad daylight then and why would the lights have been on?” 

“I have to admit that the League haven’t helped us either despite us being second in the table and having the best FA Trophy run of any Isthmian team this year as we offered to reverse the fixture, remembering that Margate are still to come to Woodstock next month – which could have been the easiest solution surely.”

“We also offered to play the game at Winches Field, Herne Bay, who had very kindly offered the use of their facilities to play the game.”

“Again, that was met with a no by the League and that is something that I do need explaining to me, we came up with good solutions for everyone to take in the football which is what we all want after all, but everything we suggested has been met with a firm NO!”

“I think you do have to question what it is that we are all doing this for because there were solutions everywhere, but none were taken on and now both ourselves and Margate have to fit in an extra fixture at a later date which is highly inconvenient.”

“When I believe the main reason that the game is off is because Margate had 13 fit players and want to sign some players in the meantime.”

“That is a fact if anyone wants to call me regarding that then fine, as it is the truth. As I said the bulbs are at the ground and we have a “sparky” (Liam Smith) in our squad who could have done it.”

“The solutions were everywhere for people to see, but no one wanted to take them on board which is what has upset me the most. Really poor, far from proper and so no happy median!” 

The Isthmian League have since announced an inquiry into the postponement.