Clubs want to conclude season in correct way

Melton Town and Holwell Sports have seen their fixtures postponed for a month, at least, due to the national lockdown.

But after last season’s United Counties League Division One campaign was declared null and void, both clubs are keen to avoid a repeat this year.

“We need to get this season finished, 100 per cent, in a right and fair way,” said Town boss Tom Manship, whose side looked on course to secure promotion last term, and currently sit second in the table, one point behind leaders Lock Buckby.

“I think it’s important the league is finished after last year.”

The break in the campaign may create a backlog in fixtures, but Melton would be more than happy to play Saturday-Tuesday each week to ensure the campaign was finished.

“We’ve played twice a week a lot of times already, this season,” Manship added.

“It suits us because we’ve got 17 or 18 outfield players good enough to be in a team that’s challenging, no matter who’s in.

“We’re good enough to be challenging.”

Holwell boss Neil Miller was sympathetic to the neighbours’ cause, and that of other clubs in the area.

He said: “You look at clubs like Melton and Long Buckby, you look at where they were last season and they’re in the same position again.

“To have that cut short would be really bad.

“I look at Cottesmore, top of their league (the Leicestershire Senior League) and Leicester Road (second) in the Midland League, as well. It’s the same for all these clubs.

“Our aim was always to try to secure ourselves some FA Cup football, but if you look at the way that was shaped, that wasn’t possible this year.

“It’s still important we try to complete as much of the season as possible to try to get some consistency into world, try to maintain a normal way of life where we can.

“The rules are there to help us get back as soon as possible, sooner rather than later.”