Buxton's Boxing Day and New Year's Day matches postpojned

Buxton FC's festive double bill will not go ahead.
Buxton manager Gary Hayward. Photo: Rachel AtkinsBuxton manager Gary Hayward. Photo: Rachel Atkins
Buxton manager Gary Hayward. Photo: Rachel Atkins

Boxing Day's home derby clash against Matlock Town and New Year's Day's trip to Hyde United have both been postponed, the Bucks have confirmed.

Most clubs in the Northern Premier League have been inactive since lockdown began in November.

However, the NPL had told clubs to prepare to return to action on December 26 after news broke that clubs in tier three areas would be allowed to admit a number of fans to games.

However, loss of additional revenue streams could still cause problems for clubs.

A statement from the Northern Premier League read: "Since the recent vote of 57-4 in favour of a continued, temporary suspension, paying fans have been allowed back in to step three and four games in tier three venues, albeit at phase one levels.

"The league recognises the impact of lost secondary revenue from clubhouses etc.

"As part of our lobbying of Government we continue to press for clubs to be able to open their bars. However, with so many pubs and restaurants closed we have to be realistic. Government simply won’t budge on this point.”

After reconsidering their decision, the NPL has given clubs the option of playing or postponing their festive fixtures.

The statement continued: "The NPL wants to avoid, if possible, a second consecutive season being declared null and void.

"Clubs should therefore bear in mind that any further fixture suspensions could increase this risk.

"It has, therefore, been decided that playing league fixtures on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day will now be optional.

"Clubs who wish to continue with fixtures arranged for the December 22/26/28/29 and January 01/02 have the option to play those matches where both clubs are in agreement."

The Bucks confirmed their festive schedule was to be postponed on social media, stating: “It has been mutually decided this morning that the home game with Matlock Town will not take place on Boxing Day.

"We can also now confirm the away match at Hyde United on New Year’s Day is off by mutual agreement.”