NewWOSL fixturessetas delaygoeson
The West of Scotland League have announced an initial set of fixtures ahead of the season potentially restarting.
The SFA announced last week that the suspension of the lower leagues would be extended by two weeks until February 14 but representatives from the WOSL Interim Management Group (IMG) held a positive meeting with Ian Maxwell and Rod Petrie.
It was agreed that the cost of testing would be prohibitive at that level but clubs expressed a willingness to return to action and a tightening up of protocols if required.
A statement from Kennie Young, secretary of the WoSFL, read:“On Wednesday, representatives of the IMG took part in a Zoom Meeting with Ian Maxwell and Rod Petrie of the Scottish FA.
“Representatives of EoSFL, SoSFL, SJFA and NCL also took part in the meeting. At present, we are still in Lockdown until February 14 as previously indicated by First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.
“The Scottish FA advised us on the situation regarding testing and they accepted that it would not be possible at our level.
“They also accepted that there is still a desire for us to get back playing and we are prepared to tighten up on our protocols if required.
“We were asked how long we would need to complete a season and our reply was that it was best if we waited to see what time we had and we would look at what could fit into that timescale.
“A period of player fitness was also discussed and again, it was thought better to wait to see how long the lay-off was going to be before we set that out.
“It was a good meeting with quite a bit of positivity and hope, and we believe the Scottish FA are aware of the common sense approach to lower league level. The Scottish FA will give an update on Wednesday, February 10.
“At present there is still no clear re-start date, but I have decided to produce notice of the first four matchdays for all four divisions to give you all advance notice of what your club’s first fixtures will be when you do get the green light to start playing.
“Other fixtures are ready and will be published when things get clearer.”
In Conference B, Wishaw will play Irvine Vics, Vale of Clyde, Greenock and Gartcairn in their first four games of the re-start, while Carluke Rovers are set to face Greenock, Irvine Vics, Gartcairn and Lugar.
Newmains United will take on Drumchapel, Kilsyth, Lanark and St Anthony’s when the resume their Conference C campaign.