Tier 3 fans allowed back - but only for football clubs below Conference North level

RETURN: Socially-distanced fans watch Harrogate Town play Forest Green Rovers in Tier 2

A limited number of fans will be allowed to watch Northern Premier League, Northern Counties East League, Northern League and women's football in Tier 3 areas, despite them not being allowed into the bigger stadia of league football.

Crowds will also be allowed in certain FA Vase and Trophy matches.

The news is a boost for non-league clubs below Conference North/South level, who have suffered badly with the lack of income at the gate during the Covid-19 pandemic.

When England came out of its second lockdown last week, the Government allowed the return of limited number of fans into grounds in Tier 3. Harrogate Town were the only Yorkshire league club to benefit, with South, West and East Yorkshire in Tier 3, along with Teesside. Even Harrogate were only allowed 410 fans for a “test event”, not the 2,000 maximum advertised for Tier 2 clubs. They hope to increase the number to 800-850 for future matches at Wetherby Road.

Tier 3 National League, Northern Premier League and women's step three to six clubs, plus those in the FA Vase will be allowed crowds of up to 15 per cent of capacity, limited to home fans. The same will be true of Vase games between two “non-elite” clubs – those below Conference North level – but not matches involving a National League club.

They will, however, have to agree capacity limits with their local authorities.

The second round is scheduled for Saturday.

Bars and clubhouses, another important source of income, will have to remain closed.

The Northern Premier League had suspended games until the review of the tiers on Wednesday. A further review has been planned for December 30.

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