Mossley AFC’s Seel Park Shaken up in ground share

MOSSLEY AFC’S Total Rope Solutions Seel Park ground is shaking to a different rhythm after a ground share with Bury AFC was agreed.

The Shakers, the North West Counties League side born after the former Football League club went out of business, has been playing at Radcliffe Borough.

But the toll the weather has taken on the pitch has meant five Premier Division matches have had to be switched to the home of the Lilywhites.

Mossley have themselves been through a similar situation, with Ashton United stepping in to help when the floodlights collapsed in 2010.

On the agreement, chairman Steve Porter said: “A lot of hard work has gone into this from both clubs and we’re delighted we’ve been able to help.

“We’re very proud of our home and will be doing our best to make everyone connected with Bury AFC and their opponents feel welcome and have an enjoyable experience.”

Bury AFC say lot of work went into the decision and many ground options were reviewed and considered, with Seel Park coming out on top.

They outlined why Mossley, saying: “The league committee would not allow us to use a 3G pitch as they felt changing from grass to 3G mid-season would give us an unfair advantage.

“When we matched our home fixtures against other teams’ home fixtures, Mossley AFC could accommodate all home games except the final game of the season, which we will play at Radcliffe.

“As we needed a grass pitch, we also needed to sure that it would be unlikely to be called off.

“Seel Park has exceptional drainage as it benefits from its position on top of a hill. There are disadvantages to any location but ensuring the relocated game would have as much chance as possible of surviving further rainfall was a key advantage.”

Mossley season ticket Holders can gain half price entry to Bury AFC’s matches at Seel Park by producing their season ticket and paying cash at the turnstiles.