League statement: Barnoldswick Town Reserves

Two matches involving Barnoldswick Town Reserves - last Saturday's league game against Garstang Res and today's scheduled match against Kendal United - were postponed due to Barnoldswick not being able to raise a side on both occasions.

League rules state clubs who fail to fulfil fixtures will be fined - See Rule 20E iii.

Barnoldswick have been fined £40 for the first postponement and £80 for today's postponement. They will also be given point deductions.

Those matches will be replayed.

Hon Gen Secretary John Brown said: “The league has been in dialogue with Barnoldswick Town Reserves in the last week and we had discussions with them regarding the difficulties they have faced and are here to support them.

"We have been assured a new management structure will be in place as of Monday and we hope this will resolve the issues they have faced.

“We thank other clubs who have been affected by these postponements for their patience and understanding and these fixtures will be re-arranged in due course."

AFC Blackpool Reserves resigned from the West Lancashire League in the 2023/24 season due to being unable to raise a side on a number of occasions.

“The West Lancashire Football League has a long history of sides who have first teams in higher leagues such as the Northern Premier League and the old Lancashire Combination," Mr Brown added.

“We welcome applications from all clubs and it is up to our members at the annual AGM whether to admit them to the league as part of the FA rules we adhere to.”

There will be no further comment at this stage.