A number of Yorkshire-based Non League clubs are preparing for their final games for a least a month before the new lockdown measures come into effect on Thursday.
The FA is yet to confirm the pause to Step 3-7 football as they remain in dialogue with the Government. However, it appears unlikely they will persuade the authorities to change their mind given some of the comments made by the Government on Monday.
The nearest to confirmation of a break has been from prime minister Boris Johnson and his culture secretary Oliver Dowden. Mr Johnson was asked about non-elite football by a fellow MP in his afternoon statement in the House of Commons.
His response was: “I bitterly regret we have to curtail for 28 days football clubs and sporting activity in the way that we are.
“I bitterly, bitterly regret it but it is necessary to keep the R down.”
Mr Dowden confirmed in question and answer style tweets on Monday that grassroots sport for children outside of school is not allowed.
Golf clubs and tennis clubs where participants can very easily socially-distance are not even allowed to open.
In a response to a question about golf clubs and tennis clubs before the Commons address, Mr Johnson’s official spokesperson said: “The purpose of the tougher regulations, which I expect are going to be difficult for very many people, are to significantly reduce social contact.”
Among the teams in action on Tuesday night are Pickering Town who take on Pontefract Collieries. Yorkshire Amateur visit Barton Town, Glasshoughton Welfare host East Hull, Hall Road Rangers go to Dronfield Town and Swallownest welcome Retford FC.