New 3G pitches open at Portchester and Merstham as ground work spreads

Two clubs spent Saturday cutting ribbons. AFC Portchester reopened The OnSite Group Stadium with a new £1.2m 3G surface, Harry Redknapp performing the honours before the Isthmian League South Central fixture against Bedfont Sports, and 609 spectators watched a 2-0 win. Merstham returned to The Hybrid Fitness Stadium for the first time this season, welcoming Ashford United on their own new 3G pitch for a Spooktacular Family Day. The Moatsiders had missed four home league games away from home; season tickets, the club noted, still represent value for what remains.

Others are further back in the process. Leicester Nirvana have confirmed grant funding for a 3G pitch alongside Leicester City Council and the Football Foundation, targeting 2027/28, while Stapenhill reported that topographical, ground investigation, utility and ecological surveys have been completed for their proposed Community 3G Sports Hub at Maple Grove. Littlehampton Town chairman Rob McAlees said the club is pursuing a multi-million-pound redevelopment of the Sportsfield, subject to funding and planning permission. Biggleswade, meanwhile, are running a petition to find a home back in the town.

Not every project involves a pitch. Chesham United have secured grant funding to complete the toilet block at The Meadow End, with turnstiles, a tea bar and an emergency exit to follow in that corner from the new year, and the chairman intends to build a new stand at The Meadow in memory of Roger Payne, with a fundraising appeal to be launched. Brislington opened new changing rooms with a ribbon-cutting by chairman Jack Rogers and are replacing Grandstand seating with Walters Group as social value sports partner. Wythenshawe have completed a newly built home changing room, Netherton United reopened their clubhouse, and St Mawgan will switch on new floodlights at Trevarrian and open an extended clubhouse bar on the night of the Wadebridge game.

Storm Boelo left its own marks. Southport reported significant damage to main stand panels, advertising hoardings and a marquee at Haig Avenue. At Workington, only the Grandstand side was open for the FA Trophy tie against Cleethorpes Town, with the Fanzone and marquee closed.

Warrington Town have begun replacing perimeter fencing at The GXO Stadium to meet new FA requirements, due for completion before Guiseley visit on 21 November, with a volunteer day held to shift concrete and earth. Farnborough will rename the Prospect Road End Stand 'The Klargester Stand' under a new sponsorship. Welling Town begin playing home games at The Bauvill Stadium, Chatham, from 31 October, while Birstall United Social and FCV Grace Dieu have both agreed groundshares with Ashby Ivanhoe — the latter at The Element Ground for the rest of 2026/27.