Tier Three clubs Sheppey United and Kennington advise their fans not to travel to their FA Vase ties

Two Kent clubs have advised their supporters not to travel to their FA Vase ties next Saturday.

The Southern Counties East Football League confirmed yesterday that their matches have been suspended until Saturday 26 December 2020 but all FA Vase ties will be going ahead as planned next weekend.

Sheppey United chairman Matthew Smith has advised their supporters not to travel down to Littlehampton Town for their Second Round tie next Saturday.

“The current government lockdown ends at midnight on the 2 December 2020 and will be replaced by a three Tier system based on total number of COVID-19 cases in an area; the number of cases in over 60s; rate at which cases are rising or falling; the proportion of test results coming back positive and pressure on the NHS,” said Mr Smith in a statement.

“Decisions made by the Government have seen the Isle of Sheppey placed in Tier Three and the relevant restrictions that places on individuals.

“Although the FA Vase game against Littlehampton Town FC will go ahead on 5 December 2020 with a crowd present we implore all supporters to adhere to the Government guidelines and not travel to this game.

“As a club we cannot stop you travelling, however, I believe each and every Sheppey United FC supporter has a duty of care to one another and I would be extremely disappointed to see any supporter present next Saturday.

“I know times are hard at the moment but we all need to play our part and keep this virus under control so that in the coming weeks we can welcome you all back to Holm Park safe and well.

“I am currently in discussions with Littlehampton Town FC regarding streaming the game live and if we are able to do so, further announcements will be made.”

All football teams that play in a London Borough have been placed in Tier Two, so Chislehurst-based Glebe will be able to welcome 300 fans to their FA Vase tie against Ashford-based side Kennington next Saturday.

All Kent clubs have been placed in Tier Three by the UK Government so Kennington also advise against their fans travelling to Foxbury Avenue to watch the game, the second successive season that they have reached this stage of the competition, having only started playing in The FA Vase last season.

“Our hosts are geographically in the London Borough of Bromley - in Tier Two - therefore allowed up to 300 of their own supporters to attend the second round fixture,” said a Kennington statement.

“With Kent under Tier Three restrictions, we implore that our supporters adhere to the Government guidelines and do not make any attempt to travel on the day.

“We believe we all have a duty of care to one another at this challenging time, and would be extremely disappointed to see any Ton supporters present.”