NCEL to restart on December 19 - Armthorpe Welfare and Rossington Main to meet on Boxing Day

Action from Armthorpe v Rossington in 2018. Photo: Steve Pennock

Confirmation of the resumption followed news that spectators will be allowed back in non-league grounds in Tier 3 areas.

The NCEL had previously suspended all league fixtures until January after clubs voted against playing matches behind-closed-doors.

A statement from the NCEL released on Thursday evening said: "Following the news earlier today that a limited number of spectators are to be allowed back in to matches taking place in Tier 3 COVID-19 restricted areas, the resumption of the Toolstation NCEL has been announced.

"At tonight's League Management Board meeting, it was decided to resume as soon as was feasible so the campaign will restart on Saturday 19th December, 2020.

"The matches originally scheduled for that date and for Boxing Day will be added back into the Toolstation NCEL fixtures schedule.”

Fixtures

Dec 19: Premier Division: Bridlington Town v Handsworth, Penistone Church v Bottesford Town. Division One: Armthorpe Welfare v Winterton Rangers, Hallam v Brigg Town, Swallownest v Rossington Main.

Dec 26: Premier Division: Staveley MW v Handsworth, Yorkshire Amateur v Penistone Church. Division One: Armthorpe Welfare v Rossington Main, Dronfield Town v Hallam.