They have left it late but the National League has today confirmed that its clubs will get a government backed grant in order to finally get their season underway as planned this Saturday.
The critical financial support package will enable sides to start the season and pay staff during times when fans are not allowed inside stadiums due to covid-19 restrictions.
Income through the turnstile’s accounts for over 70% of National League clubs revenue and with that huge financial void unfilled as football plays without fans at ‘Elite Level’ the league and its clubs had talked about not starting their season until supporters were allowed back into grounds.
This deal however will allow the last remaining major football league competition in the country to get going ensuring Notts County will face Dover Athletic in Kent for their opening match of the campaign this Saturday in a 3pm kick off.
Streaming for the match can be obtained from the Dover Athletic website here for just £8 with similar opportunities to watch online throughout the season for home matches soon to be available through the Notts County official site.
The National League has served notice of expulsion on Macclesfield Town who have been recently subject of a court winding-up order with the league likely to start with 23 teams for the season ahead instead of 24.
Notts County were beaten 3-0 at home to York in their final pre-season friendly match on Saturday a same score in which Dover Athletic lost against local rivals Maidstone United with both teams looking to start their season putting their last match to bed.
*Main image @DoverAthletic the Crabble Stadium will host Notts County without fans this weekend.
