FA Cup first-round tie featuring two former Premier League sides moved to avoid clash with major sporting event

AN FA Cup first-round tie featuring two former Premier League sides has been moved.

That’s to avoid clashing with a sporting major event this weekend.

Bolton vs Barnsley sees two of English football’s grandest sides battle for a place in the next stage of the nation’s favourite competition.

The duo already know each other well from League One.

And they were initially set for a late kick-off on Saturday at the University of Bolton Stadium.

But the FA Cup game has now been brought forward for a 2pm start.

That’s because there is a prestigious snooker event taking place on Saturday.

And like the footy, it’s also being held at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Taking place in a different part of the complex the Champion of Champions tournament begins at 7pm.

A decision was therefore made to bring the football forward to provide “peace and quiet” for snooker players in the evening.

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It also gives the chance for fans to disperse early on if Bolton vs Barnsley goes to extra time.

That will be good news for competitors in the snooker, with stars including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby and defending champ Judd Trump competing.

There’s plenty of serious prizes on offer too, making the event even more meaningful.

The winner will pot an incredible £150,000 jackpot, with second taking £60k.

Indeed, the total prize fund available is a staggering £440,000.

But with the football now kicking off early, no snooker star will be able to complain about the decibel levels outside.