Bideford AFC dispense with social media cloud

A strange social media fuss surrounded Bideford’s midweek postponement of the trip to Thatcham Town in the Southern League.

The Robins, enjoying a fine run of form and with a fully fit squad, were scheduled for the game in Berkshire on Tuesday night but a major accident on the A361, which sadly resulted in a fatality, would have meant Bideford arriving in Thatcham around an hour after the kick-off time.

After discussions with the Southern League and the match referee, the sensible decision was taken to postpone the match, but that didn’t stop weird social media accusations of skulduggery from Bideford, contrary to all the evidence.

The club posted the following statement in response: “Our game away to Thatcham on Tuesday night was unfortunately postponed due to two road closures which prevented the team from getting to the game.

“There was a major accident on the North Devon Link Road (A361) at approximately 3:15pm and the road was subsequently closed. The diverted route was then closed due to a second traffic accident. The long delays caused by these accidents meant our estimated time of arrival at Thatcham would have been approximately 8:30pm, two hours later than expected.

“After discussions with the Southern League, the match referee and Thatcham, it was decided that it would be too late for the match to go ahead and it would therefore have to be postponed.

“In the wake of various accusations made on social media (X/Twitter), the club are more than satisfied it did everything it could to get the game on, including leaving in good time, and are very frustrated it could not go ahead.

“The team were at full strength, and are in a really good run of form, so had every reason for the game to go ahead. The players had booked time off work and the minibus was paid for, so it’s incredibly frustrating for all involved.

“We do however apologise to Thatcham, and everyone planning on attending, that the game was not able to go ahead. Most importantly, our thoughts are with those involved in the accidents last night.

“A new date for the game will be announced in due course.”