Chesterfield's pre-season friendly against Alfreton Town will go ahead despite positive coronavirus test

Town’s pre-season plans were dealt a blow after Tuesday’s friendly against Matlock Town had to be postponed as a result of the news.

The Blues had been due to play the Northern Premier League side at Causeway Lane but the club released a statement on Saturday confirming the match was off.

Discussions are taking place about rearranging the fixture which was a sell-out.

No announcement has been made about who has tested positive.

The match against Alfreton (12noon KO) will be played behind closed doors with rules stating that only clubs below the National League North/South can allow fans into stadiums.

The Spireites got their pre-season schedule underway last week with a 3-2 win against Belper Town.

Chesterfield said in a statement on Saturday: “Tuesday night’s planned pre-season fixture at Matlock Town has been called-off after a member of Chesterfield’s first-team backroom staff tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Discussions are taking place with Matlock Town officials to determine whether it would be possible to rearrange the fixture. A further announcement will be made in due course.”

Matlock Town said people who bought tickets for the game should retain them in case the fixture is rearranged. Refunds will be provided if this is not possible.

The National League season is set to start on October 3 but there are doubts whether this will happen because of the latest rules on social gatherings and the rising number of coronavirus infections across the country.