Johnstone Burgh’s scheduled Scottish Communities Cup tie away to Dundee Violet was postponed today due to an unplayable section of the pitch at Glenesk Park.
Dundee Violet confirmed that a combination of heavy frost earlier in the week and rain on Saturday morning left a small area of the surface unsafe for play. Despite significant efforts to get the match on, the decision was taken with player safety and travel considerations in mind.
In a statement, Dundee Violet said: “Unfortunately the mix of yesterday’s frost and the rain this morning has left a small area of Glenesk unplayable. Every effort this week has been taken at great cost to the club to get the game on and while disappointed at the postponement no chances can be taken for our opponents travelling 95 miles from the West Coast.”
They added: “Hospitality today is also cancelled unfortunately and the club will be in touch to arrange with those who had booked.”
The postponement means holders Johnstone Burgh’s place in the quarter-finals remains undecided. The winners of the rearranged tie will face Dundee North End, who are already through after a 2–0 win over Drumchapel United in round four.
There is also added incentive for the hosts when the match is replayed, as a Dundee Violet victory would set up an all-Dundee derby in the next round. Dundee Violet currently compete in the Scottish Midlands Football League First Division, while Dundee North End play in the Premier Division.
Fifth Round – matches played on Friday, 13th December:
- Auchinleck Talbot 3–0 Rutherglen Glencairn
- Benburb 2–1 Troon
- Buchanhaven Hearts 1–0 Thorniewood United
- Dundee North End 2–0 Drumchapel United
Fifth Round – still to be played:
Today:
- Armadale Thistle v Kirkintilloch Rob Roy
- Dundee Violet v Johnstone Burgh (postponed)
- Pollok v Knightswood
Date to be confirmed:
- Fraserburgh United or Lochee United v Largs Thistle
The quarter-finals, scheduled for Saturday, 17th January, are as follows:
- Auchinleck Talbot v Armadale Thistle or Kirkintilloch Rob Roy
- Dundee Violet or Johnstone Burgh v Dundee North End
- Fraserburgh United or Lochee United or Largs Thistle v Benburb
- Pollok or Knightswood v Buchanhaven Hearts
A new date for the postponed tie is expected to be confirmed in due course.