Southwick 1882 may get season finished - and promotion clinched

Southwick 1882 FC could be one of the winners out of this week’s announcements about the imminent return of sport.
Southwick celebrate a goal in their season opener against Ashurst Wood - now could their season still reach a conclusion? Picture: Stephen GoodgerSouthwick celebrate a goal in their season opener against Ashurst Wood - now could their season still reach a conclusion? Picture: Stephen Goodger
Southwick celebrate a goal in their season opener against Ashurst Wood - now could their season still reach a conclusion? Picture: Stephen Goodger

The Wickers play in the Championship of the Mid Sussex League, which is classed as grassroots level. And the FA has told teams in such divisions their season can be extended to the end of June if they want to try to play their campaigns to a natural finish.

It’s potentially more good news for the Wickers just a fortnight after Adur District Council confirmed new leasing arrangements that will see the team return to their spiritual home of Old Barn Way.

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Their aim in time is to get back into the Southern Combination League, which they had to quit when they were no longer able to use their home ground in a dispute between the previous leaseholder and the council.

There are still obstacles in the way of Southwick completing the season, but they currently top the table and are likely to do everything in their power to get games on.

Football activity is allowed to resume on March 29.

Southwick chairman Tony Kybett said of the season extension: “It’s wonderful news that gives us the chance of completing the season and applying for promotion if we win the Mid Sussex League Championship division.

“ADC have confirmed all their public football pitches will not be available after 25 April, but we will do our best to find an alternate home pitch if necessary.

“We are in regular contact with the Russell Martin Foundation (new leaseholders) and look forward to an agreement that would see us back in Old Barn Way in August.”