Ashford United

Ashford won’t play again this side of Christmas after clubs voted to keep the season on hold.

Their planned return at home to Haywards Heath this weekend has been scrapped following a vote of Step 3 and 4 clubs in the Isthmian League, Southern League and Northern Premier League. Clubs voted overwhelmingly in favour of the extending the suspension of play, with 76 per cent supporting the motion. However, it was much closer in the Isthmian, with just 58 per cent backing the move to keep football on hold in light of the Covid-19 tier system. With Kent clubs in Tier 3, and unable to welcome fans, the possibility of resuming behind closed doors simply wasn’t an option.

The Nuts & Bolts have played just six of their 36 Isthmian South East games and will be busy next year. A joint-statement said: “It is intended that the situation is kept under review in line with Government review on the tier allocations and restrictions.

“Accordingly, the next review is set for 16 December and then 30 December.

“It is the hope of all the leagues that a date in January can be set for a return to fixtures with clubs who wish being allowed to play before that date but this will not be until there is a change in the tiers and/or some progress in the funding of the clubs at this level.” On funding, the government have allocated £14m to Sport England to fund Steps 3-6 but this is heavily weighted in favour of loans, not grants. The FA are arguing the case for grants but don’t expect an answer until mid-January. Should areas remain in Tier 3 after the two December reviews, the league will survey clubs on how best to finish the season.