AFTER 13 successive away games, Wellington AFC were set to take on Barnstaple Town at home in the Jewson Western League.

However, after an hour of the match on Wednesday, September 18, which was delicately poised at 0-0, a problem with the lights on one side of the pitch meant the referee had to abandon the game.

The Tangerines had given a good account of themselves against a team bidding to go top of the table, with Barnstaple Town unable to score on the night.

The game will now be replayed on a date that will be fixed. 

Ironically, Wellington AFC actually submitted a planning application to install new floodlights on the ground last month, replacing the current 20-year-old lights.

The planned LED floodlights will be more energy efficient and will prevent the club from having to remove four of the existing pylons every summer to allow cricket to be played.

There was a problem with the lights 'on one side of the pitch'. (Image: Wellington AFC) Wellington are in home action again on Saturday when they take on Sidmouth Town in the second qualifying round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Discussing the newly planned floodlights last month, Chairman Mike Hall said: "When our move to a new ground at Longforth Farm had to be abandoned because of rising costs, we decided, instead, to develop our existing facilities.

“If planning permission is granted, we hope to be able to erect and start using them this season.

“More improvements are in the pipeline over the coming 12 months so watch this space.”