Buxton set to return to action as lockdown comes to an end

Buxton are preparing to return to action - and will find out today whether they will be allowed to continue to do so in front of fans.
Buxton manager Gary Hayward. Photo: Rachel AtkinsBuxton manager Gary Hayward. Photo: Rachel Atkins
Buxton manager Gary Hayward. Photo: Rachel Atkins

Earlier this week Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that sport will return when lockdown ends on Wednesday (December 2).

The Bucks are due to play their first match since November 3's 3-1 victory over Stafford Rangers the following Tuesday (December 8).

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That will be an FA Trophy first round contest at home to City of Liverpool (KO 7.45pm).

While Buxton will, like their fellow Northern Premier League clubs, have the chance to fit in a couple of training sessions before action resumes, manager Gary Hayward believes the time spent in lockdown could be a real leveller.

"I think it's going to be quite hard for the lads, all sides, not just us," he said.

"I think everyone will struggle to a certain degree going back into it, being thrown back in at the deep end."

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However, Hayward had promised to set his side a strict training schedule during lockdown and hopes the squad can return with similar fitness levels.

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"Our lads are naturally fit. I class my team as one of the fittest in the league," he added.

Today the Government are expected to announce their new Covid tier structure, and which area falls into each category.

It has been announced that elite sport (from the Premier League to the National League North and South, in the case of football) clubs in tier one will be allowed 4,000 fans or 50 per cent of capacity, whichever number is lowest, to attend.

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In tier two that figure drops to 2,000, while in tier three – the areas worst hit by coronavirus – matches will be played behind closed doors.

It has not yet been made clear whether supporters of clubs from step three in the National League System, including Buxton, will have to follow similar guidelines.

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So far this season, clubs in the Northern Premier League and fellow step three divisions have been allowed to play in front of a restricted number of supporters.

Further details are expected to be announced later today. All sport, from grassroots upwards, is expected to be allowed to continue no matter which tier and area is placed in.