With illness rife and lockdowns repeated in full force., leagues were compelled to abandon fixtures in mid-season. A truly awful scenario.
One of the worst hit clubs were Herefordshire village outfit Wellington FC. They were impacted so badly that they were made to pull out of the Hellenic League and FA Vase at the start of 2021/22.
It took Wellington three years to gain promotion back to Hellenic circles for this season. A lengthy and arduous recovery road.
I drove down to their Kensal Ground last month and after witnessing a 3-0 victory against Cheltenham Saracens in Hellenic League Division One, I discussed the club's fall and subsequent rise with chairman Phil Smith.
"Covid-19 obstructed us in having a clear run at our fixtures," he said.. "The Hellenic League was cut short on two occasions. The first campaign saw 21 games played and the second only nine. We had to totally rethink our plans.
"Time was taken up with potentially 'Covid conformance', risk assessments and social distance segregation. The changing rooms were out of bounds and use of our base at the village social club was prohibited.
Denne historien er fra November 17, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra November 17, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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BISH BASH BOSH! IT'S LINING UP FOR LEWIS
DAVE Lewis believes Bashley are yet to ‘reach their ceiling’.
REBELS YELL FOR GREAT CAUSE
FOOTBALL shirts specially designed by Worthing FC Supporters Association and local artists Two Faced Twins have been such a hit they’ve been able to hand over a sizeable cheque.
FLEET IN BOSS HUNT...AGAIN!
STRUGGLING Ebbsfleet United are searching for their third manager of the season after Harry Watling left Stonebridge Road after just 90 days in charge.
TOP TALENT HAD 'MAGIC AT HIS FEET'
TRIBUTES have been paid for a talented 17-year-old with ‘magic at his feet’ who passed away after collapsing on the pitch.
ALPORT GO ON THE ATTACK TO SEAL PLACE IN LAST 32!
ALL out attack eventually delivered a warranted win for Whitchurch – despite living dangerously late on.
BRILLIANT BECKWITH INSPIRES LEADERS
GOALKEEPER Charlie Beckwith made the difference as his clean sheet and a goal from Cemel Ramadan saw Bury Town take all three points at Chadfields yesterday afternoon.
OWLS WIN KEY CLASH IN BATTLE FOR TITLE
LEAGUE leaders Cleethorpes claimed an important win over second-placed Emley to move four points clear at the summit of the East Division.
BARDS DO THE HARD YARDS IN BIG WIN
THERE was not much to warm Stamford’s fans as the Daniels were beaten by a good Stratford side.
FREDDIE TREBLE TEES UP LATE WIN
FREDDIE PARKER scored his second hat-trick of the season as Cray Valley came from behind to win in what was a great advert for Non-League football.
TIGERS & LIONS IN A TASTY SCRAP!
PLAY-OFF contenders Hyde United and Guiseley had to settle for a share of the spoils after a hard-fought encounter.
