Hartlepool United, Notts County, Chesterfield, Wrexham and National League rivals set to play on despite National League North and South suspension
Hartlepool United are set to play on as planned despite the National League announcing a two-week suspension of its North and South divisions.
This comes following a board meeting on Friday morning to discuss how to continue the campaign amid fears from clubs over funding.
Pools stated their preference to carry on with the season as planned with the understanding that the National League would provide support grants to clubs while fans are unable to attend matches.
But in the National League North 12 clubs, including Spennymoor Town, Darlington, Gateshead and Blyth Spartans, called for an immediate suspension of fixtures in order to ‘find a solution that is acceptable to all’.
As a result, the National League released the following statement on Friday afternoon: “Following the review of the feedback from Clubs in connection to the recent Clubs meeting, a Board meeting this morning decided to halt the participation in the North/South Divisions for a two-week period, effective immediately.
“As a result, tomorrow's games are formally postponed.”
In the National League, fixtures are set to continue as normal for the time being. Prior to the announcement, no fifth tier sides had publicly stated their wish to have the season suspended.
Along with Pools, Notts County and Sutton United have also released statements supporting the continuation of the National League season.
Hartlepool are set to face Weymouth in the National League on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off) as Dave Challinor’s side eye a fifth straight win to consolidate second place in the table.