Matlock Town chairman believes football can't resume without fans

Uncertainity currently rings out around the league with clubs no clearer to knowing a start date.

“At this moment in time I can see no alternative but to carry on with the league on hold, although obviously even if our Committee agree with me, we are only one vote and we will abide by the democratic decision of the league,” he said.

"All everyone at the club want to do is to play and watch football, but we cannot do this behind closed doors without appropriate funding.”

A decision is expected to be announced on Thursday, Matlock’s next scheduled NPL match being at home to Lancaster City on Saturday week..

Meanwhile the Gladiators FA Trophy campaign remains on track and they are preparing the best they can for Tuesday night’s visit to Southern League Division One Central outfit Coleshill Town. The tie at Pack Meadow will take place behind closed doors.

“Playing games behind closed doors without the fans is rubbish, we did it pre-season and at Guiseley in the FA Cup and it’s just not the same” said Phillips.

“But it’s the same for both teams and we’ve got to go there and do a professional job. We’re looking to train on Thursday and on Saturday we’re having a behind closed doors friendly at Wythenshawe Town. We’d have liked to have watched Coleshill but obviously this hasn’t been possible because of the pandemic so we’ll have to go on previous reports we have about them.”

Hannah might make his second competitive Matlock debut on Tuesday as Cleethorpes did not travel to City of Liverpool in an earlier round of the FA Trophy meaning City of Liverpool received a bye, this being a bonus for the Gladiators with Hannah not being cup tied.

On the flip side of the coin Carney is cup tied following a brief substitute appearance for Warrington in their win over Lancaster City in the last round. Matlock will also be without Liam Hughes and Kade Coppin as both complete three game bans following red cards received in the FA Cup defeat at Guiseley..