A grassroots football game that was delayed — but not postponed — went ahead thanks to the efforts of volunteers at a non league club who worked together to clear their pitch during an unexpected hailstorm.
Supporters of Newark Town football club in Nottinghamshire put in some hard graft to ensure that their Notts Senior Cup clash against Stapleford Town went ahead on Wednesday night.
The storm caused a nine car accident within a few miles of the YMCA Activity Village where the game was played — reported the Nottingham Post.
The accident resulted in one-and-a-half miles of traffic congestion, confirmed the National Highways.
The community banded together to get the pitch cleared and the game back on track.
Vice chairman of Newark Town Football Club Sarah said: “The heavens just opened and covered the pitch pretty immediately with what was reminiscent of a snowfall, the stones were that big.
“Quick thinking staff from the YMCA and volunteers from Newark Town FC sprang into action to clear the ‘all-weather’ pitch to enable to game to go ahead.
“With the help of the ride on tractor and sweeping brushes, the team from both organisations got to work to uncover the pitch markings.
“With a slight delay in the kick off, of just 15 minutes, normal service was resumed.
“Teamwork on and off the pitch that night proved victorious with Newark Town FC taking the win 4-3.”
The two sides warmed up in their football kit while heavily layered volunteers worked furiously to get the pitch prepared in time for the kick-off.
Spectators were rewarded for their efforts as a seven goal close contest played out once the whistle was blown.
Newark Town were neck and neck with the visitors as Ryan Rushden scored a hat-trick for The Blues — before the club’s record goal scorer Lewis Chambers nailed the winner in the 89th minute.
Featured image by Steve Davies Photography, video supplied by Francis Towndrow.
