Squires Gate and AFC Blackpool face delay in return to league action

Squires Gate's return to league action has been delayed
Picture: IAN MOORE — Squires Gate's return to league action has been delayed Picture: IAN MOORE

Blackpool loanee Nathan Shaw nets AFC Fylde winner

It had been hoped the NWCL would resume this coming Saturday after lockdown. However, the league has ruled that a resumption is not sustainable with two thirds of its clubs, including the Blackpool teams, in tier three areas and therefore not permitted to admit spectators.

It means Gate’s scheduled returned to premier division action at Winsford United on Saturday is off, though AFC Blackpool could play on that date as their match away to Sheffield club Hallam is in the first round of the FA Vase.

The NWCL also states that the return of league fixtures before New Year is unlikely unless the government’s next review of the restrictions on December 16 results in changes.

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

“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 December 16 once the UK Government has reviewed the tier levels.

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

Gate and AFC Blackpool were allowed a limited number of spectators before lockdown, even though Lancashire was in tier three.

The rules allow the Fylde coast’s amateur and junior clubs to return to competitive action this coming weekend.

The West Lancashire League will not finalise Saturday's fixtures until clarification has been received from the FA over the movement of teams between tiers.