As their main pitch at the NFU Sports Ground is not quite ready for use, neither is their usual back-up ground.

So, they took the decision to contact the world renowned Champneys Springs spa, whose FIFA standard pitch offers a great experience for the players.

Champneys have allowed Ivanhoe to play the friendly game but with a condition that no spectators would be allowed to watch the game.

Many private guests will be visiting the Health Spa over a weekend and who quite rightly demand the privacy that the spa offers them.

Belper Town Football accepts that this was a reasonable compromise and fully agree with actions taken by Ashby Ivanhoe FC to ensure the match can take place.

Accordingly the club offers an unreserved apology to Ashby Ivanhoe and apologises for any embarrassment caused by the earlier media comments.