It was announced this morning that Dunston have forfeited Saturday’s FA Cup Preliminary Round tie at Hillheads due to a positive Covid-19 test.
Reacting to the announcement Whitley Bay Club Chairman Paul McIlduff said “Last Friday we were in a similar position to Dunston after one of our players tested positive and we were informed that all 18 of our first team squad who were involved in the FA Cup game at Garforth must self isolate and would be unavailable for the next three games. With just 24 hours notice, postponing the game at Penrith last Saturday was inevitable and there was insufficient time to sign new players for Tuesday’s game against North Shields as the League confirmed on Saturday night that this game would also be off. However, during this week we have made every effort to ensure that this weekend’s game could go ahead, meeting all Covid-19 guidelines.
“I would like to pay tribute to the club management team and secretaries Derek Breakwell and Richard Stretton for their tireless work throughout the week and it is thanks to their strenuous efforts that we have been able to bring in sufficient players to fulfil both the first team and reserves’ fixtures this Saturday. I would also like to thank my fellow directors and the club’s Covid-19 officer Mark Burnett for their tremendous efforts behind the scenes.
“We are obviously disappointed that the cup tie has had to be called off but safety and the well being of players and their families is of paramount importance and we wish those affected at Dunston a speedy recovery.“
*Those who bought tickets for this game can obtain a refund on production of their ticket. Further details on the website and twitter.
