LITTLE Oakley Football Club chairman Michael Good has described Harwich and Parkeston’s decision to call off tomorrow’s eagerly-awaited derby as a “disgrace”.

The Shrimpers are unable to raise a side for the Essex and Suffolk Border League showdown because they are without eight players from their squad of 15.

Chairman Tony Armstrong says the decision was made “very reluctantly”, after failing in his quest to loan in players from rival clubs, including Needham Market.

However, Oakley counterpart Good said it highlighted the “massive gulf” between the clubs.

He was expecting a crowd of over 300 and, in terms of lost bar takings, said it would cost his club around £500.

“It’s very unsatisfactory and disappointing that a club of Harwich’s stature are unable to fulfil the fixture, especially as they now have a link-up with Dovercourt Vipers, who have an under-18s team,” said Good.

“It really highlights the chasm and massive gulf between our clubs, in terms of professionalism, commitment and organisation.

“We have expanded the club this season and are running three teams in the Border League.

“On any given weekend, we have had up to ten players unavailable but we still make sure we fulfil our fixtures and put out three competitive sides.

“In my time as chairman, we’ve never even contemplated cancelling a game.

“It would never happen and if it did, I’d stand down immediately.

“It would be a failure at the top, so what would be the point in carrying on?

“Everyone at our club, especially the players, feels very disappointed and it is such a shame for the local football supporters.

“We understand the difficulties Harwich have had in recent years and fully respect the efforts of their chairman and committee but, on this occasion, the club should be very disappointed. It’s a disgrace.”

Armstrong said he had no choice but to call the match off.

Luis Reynolds, Dom Nea, Dick Traynor and Chris Stratton are away, Joe Andre and Matt McGowen Harvey are working and Matt Geen and Robbie Marks both injured.

“It’s very disappointing,” said stalwart Armstrong.

“After our outstanding performance against reigning champions West Bergholt last Saturday (see page 38), we were looking forward to seeing how we competed against Oakley.

“I’ve contacted other clubs to see if they had any players we could ‘loan’ for one game, but without success.

“As a result, very reluctantly, we’ve made an early decision to let everyone know the situation but I’m fairly certain it’s a one-off.

“Our objective at the moment is clearly to keep the club going and put a structure in place for the future, hence our liaison with Dovercourt Vipers.

“Of course, we’re not happy about the situation and we could have folded several times in the last few seasons.

“However, due to the hard work and support of a few people, the club is still in existence. Any person making derogatory comments about our club is insulting those people, who are working tirelessly to keep football at the Royal Oak.”