The owners of Homelands in Ashford have released details about why the 3G pitch failed to meet Football Association requirements and removed from the governing bodies' list of approved surfaces.

Minotaur received special dispensation from the FA earlier this week, confirming that football can continue to be played at the Kingsnorth site after fears that both Ashford United and Canterbury City would be left without a home ground for the rest of the season.

The decision also allows matches in the Ryman Youth League and Kent Youth League to also go ahead.

Minotaur's Glyn Jones said: "The deterioration of the pitch, following its original installation was deemed unsuitable.

"We instructed a team of experts to inspect the pitch.

"The main problem is the irregularity of the playing surface, a result of issues with the sub base foundations having not been laid properly.

"The current estimate is that it will cost £220,000 to pay for essential repairs and rectification in the off season."

The FA have ruled the work must be completed by May 31.

Pitch consultants Breen Associates identified 81 "unacceptable undulations" which the FA say should be no greater than 10mm.

Bob Breen said: "We have been working with industry expert companies Labosport UK Limited and Technical Surfaces Limited and extensive pitch testing has revealed a significant amount of surface irregularities which indicate that there has been movement of the sub base level."

United's Don Crosbie, supported by a group of club helpers, installed the pitch in the summer of 2015, with the work complicated by delays blamed on Operation Stack and problems with Customs.

Minotaur then took over the ground in November, after calling in receivers to recover debts resulting from a loan of £150,000 to help fund the operation.

Legal proceedings between United and Minotaur, concerning the ownership of Homelands are on-going - the latest hearing took place in the Chancery Division of the High Court last week and was adjourned.