Well there’s a first time for everything I suppose.
With only 90 minutes prior to a scheduled kick-off of 14:00 between Connah’s Quay Nomads and Llandudno at Deeside Stadium on Sunday [November 30], the Genero Adran North contest was unexpectedly abandoned.
As players, coaches and ground staff congregated in the cold wondering the reason for such a decision, it was then announced that the visitors could NOT field an XI due to a number of illnesses within the squad.
Nomads’ manager Jordan Parry appeared incensed while deep in conversation over the phone, desperately searching for answers, while a number of the Llandudno players had made a sizeable journey down to Flintshire without being aware of the postponement. Even their manager Jay Davies had done the same before abruptly speeding out the car park, questioning why he’d even bothered to travel.
I mean how does that even happen so close to kick-off? Surely if illness had ravaged the camp and they were unable to field a team, there was a very simple solution. Contact FA Wales and the Nomads about the situation earlier, before re-arranging the fixture at a suitable later date. It might be annoying and the Nomads would be within their rights to query what happened, however they could also recognise that these things happen and thank them for providing the necessary notice.
As for Jordan Parry’s side, who are sitting pretty at the top of the table with three wins from three thus far- including 22 goals- this was a somewhat comical turn of events that threatens to shall their momentum should their opponents not face the consequences.
By the time they face second-placed Flint Town United at the Essity Stadium in their next game on December 7, it will 21 days since their previous 8-0 mauling of Felinheli at home. Breaks in women’s football are common, particularly in Wales, but who knows what impact this late change of events will have on their performance come Sunday. Perhaps they enter the match determined to ‘stamp a marker’ on the league, or maybe they lose an element of focus and sharpness that leads to them dropping points. Given they won 14 from 14 before losing out on promotion to Genero Adran South winners Pontypridd United last season, they’ll be desperate to continue that dominant string of performances but go one better.
At the very least, I would argue that Llandudno should be forced to forfeit the fixture entirely and award Nomads the three points, while also being fined for the lack of notice and inconvenience. Players who work so hard for their respective teams, often with zero financial reward, should not be left to contend a ridiculous situation that was so easily avoidable.
In my opinion, FAW risks the whole integrity of Welsh football should they not take appropriate action. Without displaying some authority, other clubs may exhibit similar behaviours that clouded Llandudno on the weekend.
There has to be a deterrent. Nomads should not suffer at the hands of Llandudno’s incompetence!
What are the regulations?
As per FAW rules regarding the postponement or abandonment of fixtures, it is stated that any club failing to fulfil a match engagement without a satisfactory reason shall be deducted three points, be liable for any necessary expenses and be fined 50 pounds. Any subsequent charges will be fined 100 pounds and a further three points deduction (per offence).
So there it is in black and white.
Whether you agree or not, it seems the FAW rulebook has sealed their fate regardless. You could argue that illness is a legitimate reason for cancellation, however the ‘last-minute’ nature of the announcement has left disciplinary officials with almost no choice.
Stay tuned for updates in the coming days….
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