York City's opening game at Monks Cross delayed due to Covid-19 issues

The news comes after the National League North club recently confirmed cases in the squad for the third time in 2020-21 - with backroom staff and players currently in self-isolation.

The developments had put the scheduled home fixture with Gateshead into major doubt and it has now been confirmed that the fixture has been postponed as the date falls during the required self-isolation period.

It is a further blow for York, whose final scheduled game at Bootham Crescent - against AFC Fylde on Tuesday night - was postponed with the club denied the chance of on-pitch goodbye to their home of 88 years.

Earlier, York’s scheduled game last weekend at Boston United had been called off after manager Steve Watson tested positive for Covid-19 last Friday.

On the latest postponement - and delay to their first-ever game at the 8,500-seater community stadium at Monks Cross - a club statement said: “We have received confirmation that Tuesday night’s game against Gateshead will be postponed due to the required self-isolation period of our squad.

“Our next scheduled fixture will be a trip to AFC Telford United on Saturday 23rd January.

“The first game at the LNER Community Stadium is scheduled for Saturday 30th January against Curzon Ashton.

“We wish all our staff, players and families well during this time.”