Why were our gates shut?

[Phil Old Boy]

I must of queued for at least 5 minutes to get out of the ground as the gates by the turnstile were shut and had to be opened by police it seemed. Why was that?

[JanE]

The police decided that the Aldershot fans should be moved from the ground before the home supporters were released. I am not sure that this was the right way round, but the club had no say in the matter.

[Ian_W]

Phil,

 

Having spoken to Frances Roche, who is our fine club secretary (for the benefit of any people who were new last night, or haven't visited since the Port Vale game ), Frances informs me...

 

'We were under the control of the police last night who decided that the Aldershot fans should leave the ground first to re join their coaches and that the Canvey fans were delayed to avoid a bottle neck. The Aldershot fans were delayed in the ground while they celebrated their win which meant the Canvey fans were kept waiting. It was a difficult tactical decision on the night and we regret any inconvenience caused to our fans.'

 

Hopefully that answers your query - I have also mentioned to the club about the fact that the PA annoucements could not be heard at some parts of the ground, which may have been the original cause for your query.

 

Ian

 

[Phil Old Boy]

Thanks Ian. I could only hear part of the announcements and assumed that the Aldershot fans were going to be held back after the game.