The resurgence in Covid-19 cases has paused plans to roll out the scheme to bring fans back to the stands in the Football League.
But even with tightening restrictions, there are still ways to get a live football fix—and at the same time give smaller clubs the support they need.
Clubs at step three and below in the footballing pyramid—that is the seventh tier—can permit up to 600 spectators, while observing all other national and regional Covid-19 guidelines.
So wrap up and get yourself some Northern Premier League (NPL), FA Cup or Trophy action over the next fortnight.
1. Ashton United can trace its roots back to 1878. The Robins have continuously played at the same ground for 140 years, one of football’s oldest surviving venues. Being located in Tameside, a hotbed of non-league clubs, ensures there’s plenty of local derbies.
FA Trophy third qualifying round with Clitheroe on October 31 @1500.
Adults £10; concessions £6 ; under 12s £1.
2. Atherton Collieries was formed by miners in the town of Atherton in 1916. After winning Division One West in 2018–19, the Colls will be looking to return to winning ways after sitting in 21st—albeit with several games in hand—when last season was abandoned.
NPL Premier Division fixture with Matlock Town on November 3 @1500.
Adults £8; concessions £5; 12-17 £3; under 12s free with an adult. Only available at the turnstile.
3. Formed in reaction to Malcolm Glazer’s takeover to Manchester United in 2005, F.C. United of Manchester embodies a new type of club ownership and governance. It is the largest fan-owned football club in the country by number of members, and regularly receives high attendances at Broadhurst Park in Moston.
FA Cup fourth qualifying round with Guiseley on October 24 @1500.
Adults £12; concessions £7; under 18s £3. Likely to sell-out; check with the ticket office.
4. Radcliffe FC got back into the Premier Division last season after play-off glory. Six points from six games so far this season leaves them in the bottom third of the table. Journeyman Lee Fowler was appointed manager in February and will be looking to improve his team’s points-per-game ratio.
NPL Premier Division fixture with Gainsborough Trinity on October 24 @1500.
Adults £10; concessions £7; under 18s £3.
5. Stalybridge Celtic play out of Bower Fold in Tameside. Simon Haworth, the Welshman at the helm, will be hoping for a quick turnaround in the club’s fortunes this season. They currently sit in 21st with two points on the board.
NPL Premier Division fixture with Basford United on October 24 @1500.
Adults £10; concessions £6; under 17s £2.
6. After some positive Covid tests, Hyde United have been in isolation for a couple of matches. The Tigers celebrated their centenary last year and will be raring to go away against Mickelover on Tuesday 27th. They will be back at home at Ewan Fields the following weekend.
FA Trophy third qualifying round with Frickley Athletic on October 31 @1500.
Adults £10; concessions £7; under 16s £5.
