TONBRIDGE Angels have been forced to switch their opening day fixture to Weymouth following a delay in laying their new 3G pitch at Longmead.
Angels have been told by contractors Slatters that the recent hot weather is preventing the shock absorption layer of the pitch to cure.
This in turn is preventing them from installing the final carpet layer of the surface.
As a result, the pitch handover date has slipped to the beginning of August which the board believes is too much of a risk to guarantee the scheduled match on August 6 going ahead as planned.
It means Angels will now visit the Bob Lucas Stadium, Weymouth, for the opening day of the National League South season with the reverse fixture taking place at Longmead on December 10.
Angels’ first home match of the new season will be against Hampton and Richmond Borough on Saturday August 20.
Angels chairman Dave Netherstreet said: “I am very disappointed that this decision had to be taken as so many people, contractors, volunteers and staff have worked so hard to meet the August 6 date and up to four weeks ago there was still the belief that this date was attainable.
“Unfortunately, due to material supply problems and the extremely high temperatures that have been forecast the risk that the ground would not be ready to host the game was one that the Board felt could not be taken.”
The club’s Open Day on Sunday July 31 goes ahead as planned.
