Clubs play a waiting game on whether they can return to action

A HOSTof North East non-league clubs face a further wait to see how the government’s decision to impose Tier Three restrictions on the region will affect plans to return to action.

The Ebac Northern League confirmed an online meeting of leagues in steps five and six of the pyramid would take place last night and they will hold a league management committee meeting as soon as possible to relay information on to member clubs. A statement read: “We share everyone’s frustration with the situation but ask everyone to keep abiding by the new rules so everyone keeps safe and well.”

There was further confusion for the Northern League after it was confirmed Cumbria and North Yorkshire were placed in Tier Two – a move which means clubs like Penrith, Carlisle City and Northallerton Town are under different restrictions from the rest of the league.

The picture also remains unclear for clubs in the Northern Premier League, Wearside League and Northern Alliance after no guidance was given for non-elite sport.

South Shields released a statement which read: “We are waiting clarity as to what this means for “non-elite” sport and our prospects of playing games and welcoming fans. We will provide it as soon as we have it.”

It was confirmed supporters of National League and National League North clubs like Hartlepool United, Gateshead and Blyth Spartans would be unable to return to grounds.

The top two tiers of the non-league game are classed as ‘elite sport,’ meaning supporters will be unable to attend in Tier Three.