Home, home in the Vase

Almost one year after the last competitive home game with spectators allowed, Tuffley Rovers will finally host a first team fixture at Glevum Park this Saturday.

Having commenced a significant pitch improvement scheme in April 2021, Rovers had hoped to be hosting games before this Saturday’s FA Vase tie against Fleet Spurs, but the moment has now arrived when football can come home!

Following a delay in the installation of a new irrigation system, Rovers have been forced to play all their league games away from home and two cup ties have been played away from Glevum Park, albeit with Rovers as the home team. This included playing at Windsor and Brimscombe & Thrupp whilst being the host club.

The work that began back in April saw an entirely new drainage system installed and it required extensive work to first install and then to allow the grass to recover.

The installation became a fairly protracted process when delays in the availability of parts pushed the project back 14 weeks but following two separate inspections this week, the pitch has been declared fit for play and Rovers will finally host a game.

Although there is still some grass growth pending, meaning visible areas of sand on the surface, as well as visible drainage lines (due to changes in the colour of the grass) it is anticipated that the considerable problems faced by the club in the past – with the pitch usually unplayable for much of the winter – are finally consigned to the past.

Rovers are due to welcome spectators back for the 3pm KO on Saturday, as they look to book a place in the 1st Round Proper of this season’s FA Vase.