Sunday 10 April 2011

Almonds To Fold

Sad news in the league this week as Almondsbury Town announce that they will fold in the summer. The club's lease on their current Oaklands Park home comes to an end at the end of the season and they have been unsuccessful in negotiations with Clevedon Town and been refused permission to share facilities with Western League Premier side Hallen FC.

Initial talks with Clevedon were positive, however, following a meeting at the parish council it became clear that many were against the club using the facilities at Clevedon and the board at Almondsbury have taken the difficult decision to disband the first team at the end of the season. Whether or not the reserve side continue to play depends on whether a new ground can be found to allow them to play on next season in the Premier Division One of the Bristol Suburban League. If this is also not possible then it is likely the club will cease to exist altogether.

Almondsbury are one of very few clubs who are folding for a reason other than lack of funds, with the wrangle over facilities being the only factor in this difficult decision. For a club with over 100 years of history it is a great shame and they will be missed in the league after such a successful season in their first ever Southern League campaign, with the club vying for a place in the play-offs.

In their league meetings this season Almondsbury and Totton each won on their own turf; a 1-0 victory for Almondsbury at Oaklands Park back in August, and a 3-0 Totton triumph at the old Testwood Park in December. Almondsbury currently occupy the final play-off place in the Zamaretto League Division One South & West, although it is unlikely they will be able to contest the play-offs should they finish the season in a play-off position.

Condolences to Almondsbury Town and everyone connected to the club from everyone at AFC Totton.

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