Lancaster City's game at Radcliffe tonight is called off

The Dolly Blues have taken the decision after Bamber Bridge called off their scheduled clash on Boxing Day.

The clubs have decided to not go-ahead with the fixtures after the Northern Premier League released a statement reviewing the planned re-start.

The league statement said: "The principal issue raised by clubs was that, as a result of the original decision, clubs were effectively being forced to stage competitive fixtures at a financial loss.

"The decision to re-commence competitive fixtures was based on a call back on December 1, where it was discussed with clubs the prevailing circumstances and at what point clubs felt a re-start would be possible.

"One of the key points of consensus then was “that a re-start would be possible once clubs in Tier 3 are allowed paying spectators”.

"Since the recent vote of 57-4 in favour of a continued, temporary suspension, paying fans have been allowed back in to step 3/4 games in Tier 3 venues, albeit at Phase 1 levels. The NPL is working, via the FA, to put pressure on DCMS to return to Phase 2 levels.

"The league recognises the impact of lost secondary revenue from clubhouses etc. As part of our lobbying of government we continue to press for clubs to be able to open their bars. However, with so many pubs and restaurants closed we have to be realistic. Government simply won’t budge on this point."

The Dolly Blues released their own statement which said: "With a heavy heart, Lancaster City Football Club have decided to fall in line with the prevailing mood amongst many other clubs in our league.

"The match with Radcliffe on Tuesday 22nd December, will not now go ahead as planned, We do appreciate Radcliffe’s willingness to play and hope this withdrawal does not inconvenience their club too badly.

"When we originally agreed to play Radcliffe this week we were supposed to be playing Bamber Bridge on Boxing Day, however, that match was also postponed today, along with our scheduled home match against Atherton Collieries on New Year’s Day. It is simply not practicable or financially sensible to play one isolated match, especially with the prospect of another lockdown looming. We know this will be a big disappointment for many of our fans out there but we hope you will bear with us in these trying times.

"At some point before the New Year it is anticipated a further call will be made involving all the Trident League Clubs in an attempt to agree a way forward and a further announcement will be made in due course.

"The club would like to wish all our fans, followers, sponsors, volunteers, players and staff a mega happy super fantastic Christmas."