Confusion surrounds competition

SOME clubs in the National Leagues North and South could return to action this weekend following a two-week suspension of the two divisions – but the competition appears to be in disarray, writes Keith Watson.

With uncertainty over how they will be financed without crowds, member clubs are attempting to come to a collective decision over how to proceed from here, with a null and void season one option, and completing the full campaign as normal another.

However, several clubs have already made it clear that they will not be fulfilling fixtures until a clear resolution has emerged.

Bath and Chippenham, the West’s representatives in the National League South, have both indicated they will not be playing in the current circumstances.

The Romans were scheduled to host Ebbsfleet today, with the Bluebirds at Dorking, but both games have been postponed.

National League North leaders Gloucester City are keen to play the season to a conclusion, but their scheduled match away to Darlington is off because the Quakers are still in the FA Trophy, with the last-16 ties expected to go ahead this afternoon.

Hereford are the only West side left in the Trophy, with a home tie against Leamington. Boss Josh Gowling lost front man Lenell John-Lewis to League Two side Grimsby this week, and he is struggling to find a replacement.

“You are speaking to players and asking them to come and commit to the football club, but we don’t know if there is going to be a season or not,” said Gowling.

“Basically we’re asking players to commit to the furlough scheme, which isn’t great.”

In the National League, Yeovil Town have an away match against Stockport County.