ARDLEY United have launched an appeal to raise £5,000 following income lost to the coronavirus lockdown.

The club’s remaining home games have now been scrapped as part of the decision to expunge the Uhlsport Hellenic League season.

But the bigger cost has come with the cancellation of four cup finals and a youth tournament due to be hosted by Ardley.

United’s chairman, Ian Feaver, stressed the future of the club was not at stake, but without extra investment the next campaign would be a struggle.

He said: “I don’t want to be a scaremonger, whatever happens we will come through it.

“We don’t owe any money, we’ve paid everyone but it’s left us really short.

“We don’t pay our players, so there’s no budget to cut there.

“The people on the committee do everything completely voluntarily.

“If other people can give us support that would be massively appreciated, but I understand a lot will be struggling at the moment.

“We’ve got plans to push forward, but they all cost money.

“The cup finals and the youth tournaments normally give that income to propel us into the next season.”

United have set up a fundraising page for anyone interested in donating.

The appeal follows Didcot Town, who followed a similar path earlier this month after the season was brought to a premature conclusion.

Feaver said: “I’m sure all clubs will be feeling the pinch.”