ALTHOUGH the weekend proved to be a frustrating one on the pitch for Barnston AFC with all games cancelled due to wet weather, it proved to be a successful one off it.

The club extended its main sponsorship deal with owners of the Indian Restaurant and Bar Chapslee who have agreed a new contract until June 2012 after a successful first season.

Owner Emran Rashid was keen to extend the agreement and keep the name of his Barnston-based restaurant on the first team shirts.

He said: “I am delighted with the way that sponsoring the football team has worked out. They are having a very impressive season and we are glad to be playing our part in supporting a local team in a hard economic climate.”

First team manager Leighton Williams is delighted with the direction the club is taking: “This is a great gesture by Emran to support us for another 12 months.

“It was a great help to us that they sponsored us this year, but to have already given us a cheque for next season is a huge vote of confidence, as well as a huge boost, to our club for which we are very grateful.”

While Chapslee were securing sponsoring for the first team home kit for next season, another local company were also securing a sponsorship deal for next season. Food wholesalers Desavoury Foods have paid for a new set of warm up jackets.

Desavoury Foods owner Dave Murnane said “When I look at where this club was this time 12 months ago, and then look at it now, I can see that it has made real progress, which I am pleased to have been a part of. I now look forward to seeing what progress the club can make over the next 12 months.”

Williams added “This has been a great week for us off the pitch. To have both sponsors renewing for next season will make our summer a lot easier. Having said that, we are always open to companies getting involved with our club, and would welcome any new enquiries especially from those wishing to be involved with our reserves or youth teams.”

This coming Saturday neither team has a league game scheduled, so Barnston hosting are Olympian League side Springfield in a friendly. Kick off 3pm.

In the evening the club will be hosting its annual race night with a 7.30pm start. Entry is free.