Brackley’s game off as league suspended
22/01/2021
Clubs in Brackley’s league worried about funding and COVID-19 testing
Brackley Town’s game against Boston United this weekend has been postponed following an announcement by the National League to suspend all games in the North and South leagues for two weeks. A statement released by the league on Friday lunchtime said the decision was made at a board meeting on Friday morning.
A number of clubs in Brackley’s league had been lobbying for the season to be suspended until concerns over the funding of elite non-league sides and COVID-19 testing were addressed. Twelve National League North sides (AFC Telford, Alfreton Town, Bradford Park Avenue, Blyth Spartans, Curzon Ashton, Darlington, Farsley Celtic, Gateshead, Guiseley, Kettering Town, Southport and Spennymoor Town) called for the league’s “immediate suspension” in a statement on Thursday.
National League sides are being offered government loans to continue playing but some clubs are worried about the financial implications of taking on loans to cover costs because of Covid-19 and competing behind closed doors.
The statement from the National League says: “Following the review of the feedback from Clubs in connection to the recent Clubs meeting, a Board meeting this morning decided to halt the participation in the North/South Divisions for a two-week period, effective immediately.
“As a result, tomorrow’s games are formally postponed.”
This weekend’s fixture would have been the first for the Saints since returning from a period of isolation following a positive COVID-19 test result within the club.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
