The pitch at The Brewery Field is beginning to take shape for 2024/25 following the investment of time and money on works to improve the pitch since the end of last term.
Head Groundsman Mark Sleightholme has overseen an extensive project over the summer months so far to ensure that our playing surface can be at its best for the new campaign.
Since the end of last season, there has been an installation of 31 new trench drains in problem areas across the pitch to combat some of the issues we have had in recent seasons.
As well as that, work has been ongoing to extend 24 existing drainage lines across the entire pitch in a further effort to deal with rainfall and enhance the systems in place.
Sleightholme then utilised a scarifier to clear matted grass and other waste from the ground, a process which also opens up the earth to promote growth.
The process then moved on laying 12 bags of seed across the pitch along with 87 tonnes of sand which was drag matted in and there is now a plan to apply the required chemicals this week to help the new grass come through.
“There’s been a lot going on with the pitch since the last ball was kicked,” admitted Sleightholme.
“Obviously last year was incredible for the amount of rain we had throughout the season and that exposed some areas of concern which we have looked to address this summer.
“Things have gone as we planned so far and hopefully over the next week or so, you’ll see the playing surface really start to take shape.
“The fertiliser we’ll put down will give it a boost and then you’re crossing your fingers that the weather is kind to us, and we get the perfect blend or warmth and rain.
“It’s been a big effort by a number of people, and I would like to thank our volunteers who have been invaluable in supporting the work we’ve done so far; they’ve invaluable to me.”
Sleightholme and his team will now continue to monitor the growth and maintain the work that is needed to ensure the pitch is in the best possible condition when pre-season begins in July.
