George Rolls has commented on Histon's decision to lock several hundred United supporters out of the ground on Monday night, and made an offer to those with pre-paid tickets.

"I have the greatest sympathy with those of our supporters who were unable to get into Histon's ground last night," said the U's chairman.

"It was totally out of our hands - we took advice from Histon regarding the lifting of the all-ticket requirement, but they reduced our allocation to 1,200 when it was probably clear that we would take more fans than that."

Originally all-ticket, the restriction was lifted last week to allow supporters to pay at the turnstiles, but the limited space allocated inside the ground resulted in some ticket holders being locked outside when the gates were closed.

"I am particularly sorry that some supporters who bought a ticket in advance were unable to gain admission," commented Rolls. "If those supporters who were locked out and are still in possession of their complete ticket will contact me at the club, I will arrange for them to be admitted to our home game on Saturday free of charge."

Many of those fans locked outside the ground stayed to watch from the bank overlooking the pitch, and Rolls hopes the experience at Histon will not deter the travelling supporters from getting behind the team on the road as they have all season.

He concluded, "The conduct of those fans who were locked out was exemplary. It could have turned unpleasant and the fact that it didn't shows what a great set of fans we have. It makes me very proud to be Chairman when our fans show such restraint and conduct.

"I want to thank the fans for their support and hopefully they will keep following the club around the country in their droves, and help us in our aim for promotion."

Histon FC have confirmed that should the clubs meet again in the play-offs, the match at their ground would be all-ticket to avoid any repeat of Monday's problems.

George can be contacted at the club via the main switchboard on 01223 566500.

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