The Sussex side leading the way in staging a Tier 2 v Tier 3 football match

Tiers have brought fears - and probably another temporary halt to some football careers. But Littlehampton Town are among teams out to prove a game between a team in Covid Tier 2 and a visiting one from a Tier 3 area CAN be staged.
By Steve Bone
Published 30th Nov 2020, 14:46 BST
Updated 30th Nov 2020, 16:16 BST
Littlehampton Town on their way to beating Lordswood in an earlier round / Picture: Tommy McMillanLittlehampton Town on their way to beating Lordswood in an earlier round / Picture: Tommy McMillan
Littlehampton Town on their way to beating Lordswood in an earlier round / Picture: Tommy McMillan

The occasion is the FA Vase, and Golds have had to issue detailed instrictions for fans who want to attend Saturday's second round tie at home to Sheppey United.

Littlehampton are one of eight Southern Combination sides still in the Vase, with Lancing, Worthing United (after a reprieve), Horley, Steyning, AFC Uckfield, Saltdean and Newhaven all involved.

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Seven play this weekend - while Lancing await the winners of Worthing's first round tie with Edgware, which is having to be played again as the Middlesex side - who won at Lyons Way in the original game in October - fielded an ineligible player.

Littlehampton Town issued a statement for anyone interested in going to their game - and it is quite involved.

It says: "Our FA Vase Second Round match versus Sheppey United on Saturday 5 December will go ahead at The Sportsfield, 3pm. This follows detailed discussions with various officials, local authorities and Sheppey United.

"Littlehampton is in a Tier 2 Covid-19 restricted region whereas Sheppey is in a Tier 3 region. Due to this the Government advise against travel from Tier 3 to Tier 2 areas. As a result NO fans who are resident in Tier 3 regions will be permitted to attend the game.

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The game will be ALL TICKET. Tickets are available to purchase in person from the Club (in The Sportsman) on Wednesday 2 December 6pm - 9pm; Thursday 3 December 6pm - 9pm; Friday 4 December 6pm - 9pm. Ticket Prices are £6 Adults, £3 Concessions, £2 U16. The Sportsman clubhouse will only be open these nights for purchase of tickets and the bar will not be open.

"For residents who are outside of Littlehampton who can’t get to the ground to purchase a ticket please email [email protected]

"Following discussions with the away side we can confirm the game will be streamed Live by Sheppey United. For more details please visit their website: www.sheppeyunitedfc.co.uk

On Saturday (matchday) our clubhouse will not be open due to the current Government guidelines. We are currently in discussions with Arun District Council with regards to the opening of our tea hut. An update on this will follow in due course. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to The Sportsfield on 5 December - remember to purchase your ticket in advance of the game."

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STOP PRESS: Littlehampton have tweeted on Monday afternoon to say: "We have today been granted permission by Arun District Council to continue to open our food kiosk at our games. We strongly recommend all SCFL clubs contact their local authorities to discuss their needs. Arun have been very helpful and we thank them for their help."

Other Vase ties this Saturday

AFC Uckfield v Guildford City

Horley v Chatham Town

Newhaven v Binfield

Saltdean v Deal

Steyning v Walton and Hersham

Worthing v Edgare Town (First round)

Related topics:SussexFA Vase

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