Matches postponed as fans worry club could fold

A non-league football club that is in dire straits has had its next two league matches postponed.

The Isthmian Football League confirmed it was postponing Maldon & Tiptree's matches against Cray Wanderers on Saturday and Brentwood Town on Monday.

Fans of the Essex team said the club's representatives had told some supporters they intended to wind up its affairs.

Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and husband Scott Drewitt-Barlow bought the club - known as The Jammers - in 2025. But they were charged with multiple offences including rape and sexual assault in May, and are in custody awaiting their next court hearing.

Their son, Aspen Drewitt-Barlow, is the sole shareholder and controlling owner.

But earlier this week, the Jammers Fans Association (JFA) was told "the current ownership can no longer afford to fund the club from this point onwards".

The BBC has asked the club for comment.

The JFA also posted on social media on Friday, saying: "We are aware a selection of supporters have today received an email from the club's representatives regarding their intent to liquidate Maldon & Tiptree FC.

"We have written to the club and requested information and will provide an update as soon as possible".

Fans have also launched an online crowdfunding appeal trying to raise money to go towards a "potential takeover" or to support "a possible phoenix club".

The team has already played four matches this season, which included a 4-1 victory over Leatherhead in Surrey last Saturday.

Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 57, and Scott Drewitt-Barlow, 32, of Southwood Chase, Danbury, are due to enter pleas to the various charges in September. A provisional trial date has been fixed for 18 January.

Their defence barrister, Oliver Snodin, said the pair "strenuously denied" the allegations.

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