Fuel supply: Non-league football matches hit by shortages

More than 50 non-league football matches have been postponed due to fuel supply issues in some areas.

The entire programme in the Southern Combination Football League - the ninth and 10th tier - has also been postponed due to fuel-related issues.

Demand for fuel has gone up after some filling stations were forced to close due to a shortage of delivery drivers.

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Ten midweek fixtures across the Southern League's Premier Central and South divisions have been postponed too, with a further seven postponed from its Division One Central and South divisions.

Meanwhile, seven of the nine matches scheduled for the Isthmian League's Premier Division on Tuesday night have been postponed, with another fixture scheduled for Wednesday also affected.

A further 17 midweek fixtures in the Isthmian League's South-Central, North and South East divisions will also not take place.

"The coach company we use have access to fuel, that's not the issue. The big problem for us was getting players to the coach," Isthmian League club East Thurrock United's general manager Phil Crowe told BBC Radio 5 Live.

His side's squad were set to travel to Margate in the Isthmian League Premier Division, having had a number of players miss their trip to Haringey Borough on Saturday due to fuel issues.

"We were due to leave at 4pm, so with increased traffic problems based on people trying to get fuel, we just deemed it an unnecessary pressure to our players and the team on the Tuesday night."

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