Markse United to play both FA Vase semi-final legs away

Marske United will play both legs of their FA Vase semi-final at Stockton Town.
The Seasiders have played only 24 of their Ebac Northern League fixtures due to postponements but still sit second, 18 points behind leaders Morpeth Town with nine games in hand.
However, the pitch at their Mount Pleasant home is still struggling from the recent weather and in order not to fall further behind in fulfilling their fixtures, Saturday’s Vase semi-final will now be played on Stockton’s 3G pitch.
Marske released a statement, saying: “Following heavy rain over the last week and the huge number of postponements across the EBAC Northern League, Marske United FC are still having issues with the pitch condition and drainage at our ground.
“To protect the integrity of the Buildbase FA Vase and the EBAC Northern League competitions, and with the full realisation of our current fixture position, we took the decision to get the first leg of our BUILDBASE FA Vase semi-final versus Stockton Town played on a neutral ground.
“Having tried grounds in the National League, Northern League and the NRCFA ground this has proved unsuccessful due to a combination of ground conditions, pitch unavailability and prior bookings at stadiums in the locality.
“We have therefore decided, with the approval of the FA Competitions Manager, the FA Competitions Chairman and the goodwill of Stockton Town, to play both legs of the semi-final on the 3G pitch at Stockton Town with the intended end result of getting the games played on their scheduled dates so as not to disrupt further the BUILDBASE FA Vase competition or the EBAC Northern League fixture list.
“Always mindful of our fantastic supporters and with the co-operation of our travel partners, Skelton Coaches, we will be providing FREE of charge coaches from Marske to Stockton Town and return.
Times to be notified later.
“Coach Travel is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as there will be a very limited amount of Car Parking at the ground. Parking in Sainsbury’s Car Park and Street Parking adjacent to the ground is Strictly Prohibited.
“Anyone who has already purchased a ticket for the game but due to the change of venue are now unable to attend will get a full refund on production of a valid ticket.”