Football - Douglas Corporation has responded to criticism of the playing surface at The Bowl for Boxing Day's Railway Cup Final.

Players and officials from both Laxey and Peel were unhappy with the pitch provided for the festive showdown.

Comment was also passed by the crowd and the media.

At the last meeting of the Leisure Services Committee, the Superintendent of Parks explained that everything possible had been done to allow the game to go ahead, given the high profile of the fixture.

However, the Committee noted the adverse publicity for Douglas Council, and resolved that if the pitch is in a poor condition for future cup finals, the match will not be allowed to take place.