The Northern League has decided to delay the start of this season’s League Cup, in view of the rising Covid rate.

The league management committee (LMC) has decided to postpone the start of both its knockout competitions – the League Cup and Ernest Armstrong Cup – so league fixtures can be prioritised.

First round ties in both competitions were due to be played this month, including several League Cup ties next week. Our 1st Round game at Billingham Synthonia was scheduled for Wednesday 26 January.

However, due to the Covid situation in the region following the festive break, the LMC has decided that the 1st Round ties will not be played until February at the earliest.

This will allow the situation to be reviewed in the next couple of weeks and a decision made as to whether the cup competitions should proceed or be cancelled.

A Northern League statement said: “We appreciate the difficulties that clubs are facing at the moment, including having to postpone fixtures because of Covid infections, and thank them for all the work they are doing so that matches are played.  

“We also appreciate that this decision leads to uncertainty for clubs and spectators, and we will make a decision on the cups as soon as possible.  Fulfilling the league fixture list remains the priority.”