Crystal Palace chief executive Phil Alexander offered the use of Selhurst Park to nearby Merstham as a ground for their FA Cup clash against Oxford United this coming weekend, if Moatside had not met FA requirements for the game.
Luckily enough for the Surrey based side, the game which is being shown on BT Sport will take place at the Moatside with a good crowd expected for the First Round Proper FA Cup fixture.
Speaking to the Surrey Mirror, Merstham chairman and Palace fan Chris Chapman, explained how it was a compliment to be offered Selhurst Park as an alternative ground.
“Phil Alexander offered us Selhurst Park for the FA Cup match if we needed it,” Chapman said.
“Not only as Merstham chairman, but as a Palace fan, it was a compliment that they would have us playing there. In some respects it would have been great, but the Moatside was always our first choice and the FA are keen to have sides stay at their normal grounds if possible.
“I had an idea that Phil Alexander might call because I’d heard he had spoken to Martin Burr. It was great of them to offer.”
Merstham vs Oxford United will be shown on BT Sport at the Moatside on Saturday 5th November with kick-off at 12:30pm.
