Buxton FC games postponed as coronavirus crisis halts NPL season

The Bucks along with the rest of the clubs across the three divisions of the Northern Premier League have had the remainder of their fixtures in March postponed by the football authorities.

It comes in the wake of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's advice against mass gatherings in his public message on Monday (16th March) and following the professional game's stance on Friday.

Fixtures in the Premier League and Football League were postponed until 3rd April prior to the weekend while non-League football went ahead unless individual teams notified their respective league of a COVID-19 outbreak.

Buxton's game against Warrington Town on Saturday didn't go ahead.

The match would have been played just days after Warrington had beaten Matlock Town, who announced on Friday evening that their game against Nantwich was postponed due to several players and staff members reporting suspected COVID-19 symptoms.

Buxton's games against Basford United (21st March), Warrington Town (24th March) and Lancaster City (28th March) have all been postponed on the Northern Premier League website.

An NPL statement read: "The Northern Premier League has today decided, reluctantly, to suspend all fixtures until further notice in light of the escalating Covid-19 outbreak.

"The League would like to congratulate the players, officials, volunteers and fans of clubs able to stage games at the weekend and notes the excellent attendances at those fixtures.

"Whilst the primary responsibility of the League is to the financial sustainability of its member clubs, the number of clubs reporting players or officials in self-isolation has now reached a point at which continuing to play games would severely undermine the integrity of the competition."In consultation with the partners Eliteform, all NPL Football Academy fixtures have also been suspended until further notice."The NPL is well aware that clubs and fans need clarity around whether the 2019/20 season is to be suspended temporarily or permanently and the full implications of either eventuality. The NPL will be working with the other Alliance Leagues and the Football Association, to assess the various options and to agree a way forward.

"As soon as we are able to, we will share that information with member clubs and their supporters."