Doncaster Rovers WILL play on through the latest national lockdown

England will enter a four week lockdown from Thursday in response to a rapid rise in the rate of Covid-19 infections.

It will see all but essential outlets closed and people being encouraged to stay at home unless necessary but ‘elite’ sport will be allowed to continue.

However, further clarification is needed regarding Rovers’ FA Cup first round tie at FC United of Manchester on Saturday.

FC United do not fall into the category of elite sport, meaning they are expected to halt competition in the Northern Premier League this week - though this has yet to be confirmed.

The ‘elite’ level covers the football pyramid down to National League level.

The Football Association has stated it is awaiting further guidance from the government over those FA Cup ties set to feature ‘non-elite’ clubs. Nine of the 40 matches are set to feature non-elite sides

The EFL issued a statement confirming their competitions would continue through the lockdown period.

The statement read: “During this next phase it has been confirmed to the League by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that elite sport will be able to continue and EFL competitions will therefore remain as currently scheduled (in both England and Wales).

“Professional football has implemented some of the most stringent, robust and regularly reviewed protocols since the restart in June 2020 and our medical experts’ advice remains in place to fully adhere to these measures which are specifically designed to mitigate against the spread of the virus.

“The health, safety and well-being of players and Club staff throughout the pandemic has been our first priority and this will continue as we enter this next period of lockdown and beyond.

“In addition, we acknowledge the Government’s national efforts in tackling this outbreak and would hope that during this next phase of the crisis, our national sport, negatively affected by COVID-19 like many other industries, can continue to provide some form of welcome distraction and give people in our communities up and down the country a sense of normality in very challenging times.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.