TOMORROW’S derby between Bromsgrove Sporting and Redditch United has been postponed because of concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
The Southern League Premier Central fixture will now be played at a later date.
While the top three tiers of the non-league pyramid – the National League (step one) and the National League North and South (both step two) – are set to go ahead as usual, all games in the Southern League (step three) have been postponed until Sunday March 22.
It brings disappointment to both towns, who were hoping for a first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs at Redditch’s Trico Stadium in front of a bumper crowd.
At the end of January at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground the Rouslers thrashed their Redditch rivals 7-1.
And, after a defeat last weekend, Sporting would have been hoping to bounce back by doing the double over their neighbours.
As a result of the league-wide ruling, Sporting’s trip to Hednesford Town on Tuesday night will also not go ahead.
It comes as Public Health England confirmed two coronavirus cases in Worcestershire – the first in the county.
Ironically Sporting fans wanting to watch some football could head to the Victoria Ground tomorrow.
Droitwich Spa FC, are due to play Gornal Colts there at 3pm and so far there is no news of that match being postponed.
The Saltmen have been playing their home games at different grounds with their Stourport-upon-Severn home not fit to play on following last month’s floods.
Droitwich Spa Football Club issued a statement this evening saying it had a duty of care to all of its management, players, supporters and everyone who wished to follow the club during this difficult time with the uncertainty over the coronavirus.
“If you are intending on coming to support us tomorrow, then please take all necessary precautions and help others to stay as safe as possible.”
