Bromley and Dover Athletic sit out National League opening day due to positive Covid tests within Grimsby and Dover camps

BROMLEY’S opening Vanarama National League clash against relegated side Grimsby Town on Saturday has been postponed.
 

The BT Sport cameras were due to show live coverage at Hayes Lane for the 17:20 showdown but the away side have announced that Covid-19 test results have proved positive within the Grimsby Town camp.

"Grimsby Town Football Club can confirm that it has received the results of the PCR tests it was awaiting," said a club statement.

"Unfortunately, these results have come back as positive and as a result, Saturday's opening National League fixture away at Bromley has now been postponed.

"Details relating to the arrangement of the fixture will be announced in due course.

"We would like to wish those players affected a very speedy recovery and we would also like to apologise sincerely to our supporters for the inconvenience this may cause.

“As we continue to improve the transparency of our communication with our supporters, Grimsby Town Football Club can confirm that despite going over and above with its Covid safety protocols, positive lateral flow test results have been returned from members of the first-team,” said an earlier Grimsby Town statement.

Bromley, meanwhile, stated that they "are exploring all options with regard to alternative fixtures."

Andy Woodman guided Bromley to their best-ever finish in the top-flight of non-league football, finishing in seventh-place before losing their maiden play-off eliminator to Hartlepool United 3-2.

The Pools have joined champions Sutton United in EFL League Two.

The Lillywhites, meanwhile, have unveiled the signing of former Colchester United central defender Omar Sowunmi, 25.

Manager Woodman told the club website: “Omar is a player we’ve had all pre-season, but we weren’t sure if we were going to be able to get him to stay.

“However, he’s been impressed with what he’s seen, he sees what we’re trying to do and he wants to be a part of what we’re trying to create here.

“I think with the way we’re trying to play football, Omar is going to be a really good addition to our defensive unit and in the opposite box too.  I’m delighted to have him on board.”

Meanwhile, Dover Athletic's opening Vanarana National League game at home to Solihull Moors on Saturday has been postponed due to "the ongoing Covid-19 situation within the club."

A Dover Athletic statement said: "Our players and management are self-isolating for a period of 10 days in accordance with National League protocols and Public Health England guidelines, following two confirmed cases of Covid-19 within the group.

"We wish those affected a swift and safe recovery.  The fixture will be re-arranged in accordance with National League rules."