WESTBURY United are facing a heavy Screwfix Direct League fine after postponing their Premier Division clash at Barnstaple Town on Saturday 17 November.
A flu bug swept through Derek Graham's side, leaving him with only 12 fit players on Friday. When a number also pulled out through work commitments, the club were forced to call off the fixture.
But the Screwfix Direct League are not likely to show the Meadow Lane outfit any mercy and general secretary Ken Clarke confirmed a stiff punishment is likely.
He said: "They have in excess of 30 players signed on, so I would be surprised if the management committee didn't impose a heavy fine. We must try and prevent this sort of thing happening."
Westbury boss Graham felt the club were left with no option.
He said: "We had no hidden agenda, we just had too many people ill. It was just unfortunate.
"They were suffering with flu and tonsillitis.
"I was down to 12 players but, because we were leaving at 11am we couldn't get people to come along due to work."
Graham will be hoping his charges have recovered sufficiently in time for tomorrow's home game with Elmore.
He said: "Elmore aren't a bad side and it is the first of three home games in a row. I would like us to win two of them."
l MELKSHAM Town returned to winning ways with a 2-0 away victory at Bristol Manor Farmon on Tuesday night.
The win, which came courtesy of goals inside the first 15 minutes from Matty Bown and skipper Steve Seals, lifted the Wiltshire side above their hosts in the Premier Division table.
Melksham player-manager Robbie Lardner was pleased with his side's performance after the 1-0 reverse at Taunton on Saturday.
He said: "Bristol Manor Farm on a Tuesday night isn't a glamour place to go and I'm delighted to have got the three points.
Lardner is looking forward to the visit of his former club Odd Down to The Conigre tomorrow. Melksham's busy schedule also includes a trip to Keynsham Town on Wednesday night, kick-off 7.45pm.
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