Halstead Town set to be sidelined for the next few weeks

The government's decision to place large parts of Essex under Tier 3 restrictions has had a significant impact on Halstead Town's Thurlow Nunn League First Division South campaign.

League officials recently gave clubs the opportunity to postpone their fixtures without penalty for the forseeable future, and it would appear the Humbugs have taken up that option.

They had been due to travel Holland FC on Saturday and then host Coggeshall United on Boxing Day, but Halstead's next scheduled fixture is now on Saturday, January 16 at Frenford.

A statement from the Thurlow Nunn League read: "With 13 of the 17 First Division South Clubs now being in Tier 3 the League has been faced with a very difficult decision on whether to suspend fixtures.

"All clubs have been consulted with responses covering all parts of the spectrum – from play on through to suspend all fixtures until February. It has therefore been a very difficult decision to make, particularly given the responsibility that the League has to club staff and volunteers; players; match officials; and spectators.

"We have concluded that those clubs that wish to play and take on that responsibility themselves should be allowed to play, although this is dependent on being able to furnish the games with willing match officials. Clubs that do not wish to play have been allowed to suspend their fixtures without penalty. We will review the decision at the end of the year."

Halstead have played nine league matches so far this term, picking up two victories.

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