Managers welcoming September start date

The two clubs are now preparing for a return to Division One action after having last season cut short.

September 12 has been put forward as a probable start date for the league, while Town look set to be involved in FA Cup action even earlier.

“I think it’s just important that football is allowed back. Going through social media and seeing how positive people are about grassroots football at the moment is really good to see,” said Sports boss Neil Miller.

“Myself and every other team, UCL and beyond, I think we’re really looking foward to getting back and just enjoying those Saturday afternoons, which will be a little bit different.

“We’re looking forward to it.”

Melton boss Tom Manship echoed his opposite number’s sentiments.

“It gives everyone relief really as we’ve been second guessing when we’d be back,” he told The Times.

“We’ve now got dates. We can plan and get the preparation done and move on from here.

“September is a great start date for us.

“The first game will be the FA Cup, I’ve been told, and that’s a positive and something to really look forward to.

“I can’t wait to get going.”

Sports kicked off their pre-season schedule on Saturday, beating ICA Sports 6-0.

Northern Premier League South East Division Spalding United will be the visitors this evening for a contest that gets underway at 7.45pm.

Sports will also travel to Ashby Ivanhoe on Saturday and host Ingles on August 22.

Melton have announced their pre-season schedule.

They will host Stamford, also of the Northern Premier League South East Division, on Saturday, Harborough Town on August 11, Shepshed Dynamo on August 15.

They will travel to play Quorn on August 22 and Basford United on August 25.

Pre-season matches are currently being played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus oandemic.