Boreham Wood call off FC Halifax game due to ‘escalating coronavirus situation’

Jack Redshaw breaks through the Ebbslfeet defence.
(Picture: Bruce Rollinson) — Jack Redshaw breaks through the Ebbslfeet defence. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

The Shaymen announced yesterday evening that their scheduled trip to Hertfordshire was off, after the home side said they asked the National League to postpone the visit because of the “escalating coronavirus situation”.

The League is set to make an announcement regarding forthcoming fixtures today, with spectator sport heading towards lock-down amid the crisis.

But Bosomworth has stressed that Halifax, given government advice, were comfortable with staging Saturday’s fixture.

Jordan Williams goes past Marvel Ekpiteta.
(Picture: Bruce Rollinson) — Jordan Williams goes past Marvel Ekpiteta. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

He said: “I know everybody is not of that ilk, but from a health point of view, you follow government guidelines and there was a feeling that games could be played.

“But obviously, some of the (other) football authorities made the decision to cancel fixtures.

“In terms of where we were at, we followed the guidelines. But there will be some difficult decisions going forward and we will have to wait and see.”

On whether he expected Halifax to be back in action tomorrow, he added: “My understanding is that it won’t (be played).”

Halifax captain Nathan Clarke revealed that the Shaymen players were happy to take the field on Saturday, with the main source of disappointment surrounding the outcome of the game which ended in a 1-0 defeat.

He said: “It was a case of just getting on with it. We were looking forward to it being on and they (Ebbsfleet) travelled down on Friday.

“It is obviously a little bit worrying with leagues stopping above us and you have a little eye on that. But you have to listen to the advice. We are no experts and the people who are making the decisions are speaking to the right people.

“We have got to follow protocol and listen to what the club wants us to do. We have one or two that have been feeling under the weather. But I think it is just the normal thing.

“We have got to see how it pans out and listen to advice.There are all sorts of people coming up with different scenarios. It’s a strange event, isn’t it.

“But at the end of the day, it is only football and you do not want lives at risk. If it is safe to play, fantastic. If not, we will listen and do what is right for everybody.”

“You have to look after family and friends and it is only a sport. Some people forget that.”