With the coronavirus spreading across the globe, unsurprisingly the majority of sporting events have been cancelled for health and safety precautions. The Premier League and Football League released statements earlier this week, with matches being postponed until April 4 at the earliest.
One league however, which is still continuing as normal is the Vanarama National League. The decision came as a big surprise, with many disagreeing with the National league board’s decision to keep playing matches as planned.
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For one club, this news has come as a pleasant surprise. Aldershot Town are currently looking to secure their National League status, and they’ll only benefit from continuing as normal.
With most games called off up and down the country, Aldershot travel to 23rd place Fylde in a huge match for both teams.
Former Parklife Sport contributor, now the Shots’ media and marketing manager Henry Port believes that this can only be positive from the National League.
“It’s obviously a huge concern, and something that needs to be addressed properly and carefully. But from an Aldershot perspective, we as a club live off match-days,” said Port.
“Next week we have a massive game against our rivals Woking, which actually still might get called off, and we need the fans turning up and paying the gate receipts. Without the fans being able to turn up then we can’t afford to pay the wages going forward.”
With Aldershot playing Fylde on Saturday afternoon, the sooner the Shots can confirm their National League status the better according to Port.
“I know it sounds really cliché, but our game against Fylde really is a six pointer. We’re not far away now from confirming our place in the division next season, but if the matches were to be called off then that could have a big effect on the team.
“I know Danny Searle (Aldershot manager) will be pleased as the Fylde and Woking games are so important in our lead up towards the end of the season.”
For now, Aldershot will continue to see out the season, but it remains to be seen if any more postponements are made from now until April.