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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Lochlin Highet

Ayrshire West of Scotland side still awaiting outcome of clash in which opponents ended with six players

An Ayrshire non-league side are still awaiting the outcome of a match which was abandoned after their opponents were reduced to just six players.

Glenafton's West of Scotland Premiership clash at home to Blantyre on Wednesday night went ahead despite the visitors having just seven players starting.

The Glens raced into a 2-0 lead, but a red card for Blantyre saw the match abandoned as per league rules.

But rather than being instantly awarded the tie, Glens are still awaiting word from league chiefs that they've received three points which could prove crucial in their relegation battle.

A club statement read: "There has been no update as of yet from the West of Scotland Football League regarding any decision being made following the abandonment of the Blantyre game on Wednesday night.

"The game was abandoned with Glenafton leading 2-0, following Blantyre being reduced to six players following an injury, having only started the match with seven players.

"Since the appointment of the new management team our players have done remarkably well to get us into a position that we might be able to escape relegation from the West of Scotland Football League.

"We would like to thank the players and management team for all their efforts. We believe the uncertainty that has been caused by the way the game unfolded is deeply unfair on everyone associated at our club and in particular the players and management team.

"We will prepare in our usual professional manner for what should be our final game of the season at Cumbernauld United F.C. on Monday, May 22.

"We believe a decision regarding the Blantyre game has to be made imminently as the uncertainty puts us at a disadvantage going into the match.

"As a club we have followed and abided by all the rules, we had a full playing squad and full management squad at the Blantyre game, and also a sizable home support too in our final league game of the season.

"At the time the game was abandoned, we were leading 2-0 and were confident that the three points we would have secured, would have enabled us to leave the automatic sixth relegation position.

"We believe there is only one outcome that makes sense and that is for the three points to be awarded to our club. Anything else other than this sets a dangerous precedent going forward.

"We await the decision that is going to be made by the West of Scotland League with interest."

And club secretary John Stewart insists the situation is "farcical".

He replied to the club statement: "They make quick decision when we asked for the Cumnock game to be moved due to players not available on the holiday week.

"Also we have management and players going on holidays next week, players will need repaid if the game is replayed.

All the supporters who turned paying at the gate, and we had players who wanted to go to the final [Europa League] but turned out for their club. We could go on and on, it’s farcical.

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