Harlow Town’s fixtures for the next month will be suspended as part of national lockdown protocol.

A statement issued by the FA today on Tuesday confirmed that all fixtures and training for Steps 3-6 of the National League system, which includes the Pitching In Isthmian League South Central at Step 4, will be suspended from Thursday, November 5 until Wednesday December 2.

This is subject to parliament voting on Wednesday, yet to take place at the time of publication, to impose the new restrictions, and the publication of bespoke guidance from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport [DCMS].

The statement reads: “As a result of the UK Government’s new national COVID-19 restrictions and the publication of bespoke guidance from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport [DCMS], the impact on ‘non elite’ football in England will include the suspension of the following during this period:

• All fixtures and training for Steps 3-6 of the National League System [NLS];

• All fixtures and training for Tiers 3-7 of the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP];

• All fixtures and training for the Regional NLS Feeder Leagues;

• All fixtures and training for The Barclays FA WSL Academy League;

• All fixtures and training for FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs;

• All fixtures and training for indoor and outdoor youth and adult grassroots football.”

The FA reiterated their desire to ensure that the 2020-21 season is completed and said they will work with leagues and county FAs to make sure this happens.

The statement claimed: “Our aim is to ensure that the 2020-21 season is completed at these levels and will liaise with the relevant leagues in the NLS and WFP and the County Football Associations [CFAs] to provide support and establish appropriate options to do so if required.”