Barnsley start in doubt

Barnsley's opening match of the season has still not been given the go-ahead by the club's administrators.

The club's new owner, Sean Lewis, failed to convince the Football League that he can take the club forward on a solid financial footing.

The Football League granted Lewis more time to meet their criteria on Tuesday, but a request for further assurances remained unanswered, with time running out before Saturday's Division Two home match against Colchester. A Football League statement released on Tuesday read: "Barnsley FC will be allowed to start season 2003/2004 if the administrator confirms... that he will be responsible for the fulfilment of fixtures by the club."

The Robson Rhodes administrator was only able to say: "We are working with all parties to ensure that this Saturday's game goes ahead."