Longridge Town camp plays the waiting game with season on hold

The North West Counties Football League had announced at the end of last year they were suspending fixtures after much of the region was placed into tier four of the government’s post-lockdown areas.

Last week’s unveiling of a new national lockdown then saw the FA confirm the suspension of training and fixtures across the vast majority of ‘non-elite’ football, including from steps three to six in the National League System.

It ensures both Longridge and Garstang, who operate one tier below Town, remain out of action at present.

Ashcroft said: “We’re just waiting to hear what will happen.

“There are little rumours they might split it into four different leagues but we don’t know until we’re allowed to play again.

“It might be stopped until we can go again. Hopefully by June everything has eased a bit, but as long as everyone’s safe, that’s the main thing.”

The hiatus has also left Ashcroft trying to keep up spirits among Town’s playing and coaching staff.

“I think we’ve done well in the circumstances with not being able to train,” Ashcroft said.

“The lads have kept themselves fit and have done themselves proud, and there is a WhatsApp group where we all stay in touch.

“None of them have had the virus, which is great, but I’m used to training them twice a week, playing twice a week and then having a break in June.

“We’ve never been in this situation before and, hopefully, we never will be again.”

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