AFC Fylde match off as Boston United player tests positive

AFC Fylde will not play again until Tuesday

Fylde skipper praises team-mates' patience

The positive test yesterday has resulted in the Lincolnshire club's squad and management team going into self-isolation.

Boston's vice-chairman and Covid officer Neil Kempster told the club's website: "Following the laid down protocols and as a precaution we have instructed the squad and management team to self-isolate.

"This is due to a player testing positive for the Covid-19 virus, who has been in contact with the squad.

"This follows advice from the club's Covid medical officer and this action has been agreed with the National League Covid medical officer.

"The player in question was tested yesterday. After discussions with the National League and AFC Fylde, and as we all wished to play the fixture, it was agreed that we would wait to see if the test result came through before 10am this morning.

"If it was a negative result the match would have gone ahead as planned, but of course if the test result was positive the 14-day self-isolation period will continue.

"As always, our actions will remain under review, and we will continue to respond to the developing situation. We will offer care and support the player through this period."

"Despite all our best efforts, the squad has been affected again, which underlines how this virus continues to affect all our lives. We have had a great start to the season and were looking for a good run of games but we have to put the safety of everyone to the fore."

Boston are already behind on fixtures, having missed two weeks of action when the season got under way last month due to positive tests.

Today's match would have brought together two of National League North's unbeaten sides, with Fylde currently second in the table after winning five of their six games.

The postponement means leaders Gloucester City can pull three points clear with victory over Bradford (Park Avenue) today.

Fylde are due to return to action on Tuesday evening at Curzon Ashton. A new date for the Boston fixture is yet to be arranged.

The Coasters will announce rearrangement/refund details next week for supporters who have purchased a live stream of today's postponed game.