BOURNEMOUTH Poppies will seek to recover costs from Team Solent after Saturday’s scheduled clash was bizarrely postponed due to a clash of kits.

The university side rocked up at Victoria Park for the Sydenhams Wessex League clash with their red home kit, the same colour Poppies have donned for more than 100 years.

Poppies did try to help their opponents out of the sticky situation but their yellow and blue away kit was still at the laundrette which closed at noon.

Manager Ken Vaughan explained Poppies still had to fork out for match officials and food for hospitality, while Bournemouth University students Henry Akinsuyi, Diop Evans and Kieron Joseph all endured a wasted trip from London.

Vaughan told the Daily Echo: “At about 1.45, it came to light they were wearing the same colours as us and were asked to change but they didn’t have another kit.

“We spent an hour running round trying to find a kit. I wasn’t very happy we had a couple of lads travel a long way to play, all the food was done and the referees needed paying but what can you do? These things happen.

“Their secretary, kit man or whoever needs to hold up their hands and I am sure they will. It was disappointing and cost us a few quid. I would certainly expect to get the funds back.”

League rules state that it is the away side’s responsibility to play in colours “clearly distinguishable from those of their opponents and match officials” and that clubs at fault for postponed matches are liable to compensate their opponents.

Team Solent chairman Bill Moore, who arrived at Poppies after the call off had been confirmed, promised an internal investigation into his club’s procedures but said any decision over costs would be left to league officials.

“We need to find out a number of things, firstly how the problem occurred and secondly find out the thoughts of the Wessex League,” said Moore.

“It would appear that there is fault on our part but until we assess the situation properly and take all aspects into account, it is very difficult to offer anything.

“If it is our responsibility, we will cover any costs incurred.”