News Story

There was some controversy over the manner in which today's WPL game between Bala Town and high-flying Llanelli was called off reports www.welsh-premier.com.

THE Welsh Premier League has defended its decision to call-off Sunday's meeting between Bala and Llanelli at Maes Tegid.

The Lakesiders announced that the game was definitely on following an eight o'clock pitch inspection, but issued a further statement two hours later to say the match was postponed at the request of the FAW.

"Llanelli AFC called the League at 8.20 this morning with concerns over player safety, as five of their squad were facing severe difficulties when attempting to drive from their homes," says the league statement.

"The league has a duty of care to its players and managers and decided to postpone the game having read the Travel Wales website. The League then tried to call the Bala Town secretary at his home, mobile and club to explain the situation, but could not get through and left a message.

"Shortly afterwards, the League were able to speak with the secretary to explain the situation and understood Bala's disappointment, but stressed that the decision was taken as a safety measure.

"The League sympathise with Bala Town who were expecting a large crowd this afternoon, and their hardworking staff who would have ensured that game could have been played at Maes Tegid.

"The League also understands Llanelli disappointment, who still had to pay £800 for their team bus and also to their excellent travelling fans, who made the journey yesterday and paid for overnight accommodation.

"With the backlog of fixtures already causing problems for clubs and the League, another postponement is disappointing, but the correct decision was taken this morning," adds the statement.

The League say they are also disappointed with the press statement issued by Bala, which was "factually incorrect" describing the events as 'unprecedented'.

"A TNS v Haverfordwest County fixture was postponed a few years ago due to the extreme weather in Pembrokeshire, despite the host club being able to stage the game," say the League.