The North West Counties Football League announces a suspension of its season

Garstang FC and Longridge Town face a further delay to their respective league seasons after the North West Counties Football League campaign was put on hold.
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The league had looked set to recommence next weekend following the end of the national lockdown next Wednesday, December 2.

However, with a sizeable number of teams in areas facing the most severe tier three restrictions from next week, a decision has been taken to suspend matches.

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A league statement issued on Friday night said: “Following a meeting of the Management Committee of The North West Counties Football League this evening, the decision has been made to suspend the restart of the League season until 19th December.

Longridge Town are still scheduled to be in FA Vase action next SaturdayLongridge Town are still scheduled to be in FA Vase action next Saturday
Longridge Town are still scheduled to be in FA Vase action next Saturday

“The decision follows the move to introduce tougher restrictions in England meaning that 40 clubs currently sit in tier three areas, which means they cannot admit spectators.

“The League indicated at the beginning of the pandemic that football behind closed doors at steps five and six is not sustainable for the majority of clubs and therefore we had little choice but to continue with the suspension of fixtures.

“The League will review the decision again on 16th December once the UK Government has reviewed the tier levels.

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“However, should the situation remain the same in relation to spectators being excluded from matches, then the restart will likely be postponed until Saturday 2nd January.

“In addition, the League Management Committee also agreed that in the event fixtures resume on (the) 19th, then clubs can agree to switch their Boxing Day fixtures to 28th, 29th or 30th December to allow volunteers, management and players to take advantage of the relaxation of rules allowing families to come together for Christmas.

“The League will continue to work with clubs to manage the challenges faced due to the pandemic, and will work with the FA in pushing DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) and the Government to allow spectators back into stadia at steps five and six.

“If this is not possible, then only the provision of grant funding for clubs would allow football to resume behind closed doors.”

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Garstang had been due to return with a home game against Atherton LR in the First Division North on December 5.

For their part, Longridge Town are still scheduled to be in FA Vase action against Penistone Church on the same day, though it will be played behind closed doors.

Should league matches recommence on December 19, then Garstang would be at AFC Bury with Longridge due to host Winsford United.

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