Basford United have made the ‘reluctant decision’ to cancel their forthcoming Northern Premier League fixture against Mickleover on Monday 28 December due to the ever-changing and uncertain Coronavirus situation.

In a statement, the club announced: “In light of the changing pandemic conditions, and following consultations with local authorities, Basford United Football Club have reluctantly taken the decision to postpone Monday’s Northern Premier League Fixture with Mickleover, where the league’s top two teams were set to go head-to-head.”

Their New Year’s Day trip to Grantham Town has also be cancelled.

Commenting on the decision, United Chairman Chris Munroe said: “As a club we desperately wanted Monday’s game to go ahead for the fans, in a safe and secure environment, despite there being an attendance cap of 300.

“However, with the worsening public and local health conditions in light of the new strain of Coronavirus, as well as the realism that the reduced gate may not have been allowed and that it may have been played behind-closed-doors, we have reluctantly been forced to take this decision.”

Having sold all 300 matchday tickets for the tie against table-toppers Mickleover, the club have confirmed that full refunds will be processed.

“Cancelling these fixtures is deeply disappointing,” Munroe adds. “Having won all eight games prior to Saturday’s FA Trophy defeat against Peterborough Sports, the first-team are in great form.”

“We know Steve (manager, Chettle), staff and players all want to keep playing but as a club we need to look at the bigger picture and follow the local and national public health authority protocols.”

The cancellations mean that Basford United’s next league game will be on Saturday January 09 when Lancaster City visit Greenwich Avenue, kick off 15:00.

*Article provided by Marc Williams (Basford United Correspondent).

*Main image @CLPhotography Greenwich Avenue will be much quieter than usual this Christmas.