Uncertain future for new season

recently given lower division clubs extra cash in the form of Covid-19 support grants. Clubs have had to apply for them, and Hawks have applied for the maximum £15,000 allowed at step 2 level.

The government have been widely criticised, meanwhile, for allowing the Cheltenham Festival to take place last March right at the beginning of the Covid crisis in the UK.

They appear determined not to be accused of making the same mistake twice.

Gove added: ‘The virus is less likely to spread outdoors than indoors but it is in the nature of major sporting events that there is a lot of mingling.

‘People look back now at the beginning of the pandemic and look at some of the major sporting events then and ask the question why were they allowed to go ahead?

‘One of the things we must do now, whatever the wisdom of the decisions made then, is to look at sports events now with caution.

‘We also recognise that sport’s a vital part of the life of the nation and we’re looking at everything we can do to support our athletes and our great clubs at a challenging time.

‘We do want people to be watching sport.’

Hawks won 4-1 at Eastleigh in a friendly yesterday with goals from Tommy Wright, Joe Iaciofano, Dan Ajakaiye and Bedsente Gomis (penalty).