Hollands & Blair decide not to travel to FA Cup tie after some Burgess Hill Town players show Covid-19 symptoms and told to self-isolate

HOLLANDS & BLAIR have decided not to travel to Burgess Hill Town for their FA Cup Preliminary Round tie today.

Isthmian League South East Division outfit Burgess Hill Town issued the following statement on their club website at 19:59 last night.

“The club has issued the following statement regarding some players in the squad showing Covid-19 symptoms.

“The guidelines set out by The FA and The NHS are stringent and it is the responsibility of the individual(s) who have received a positive test result to self-isolate and follow advice from the NHS track-and-trace system.

“The players who tested positive are now doing the above and have not/will not be involved with the club until they have completed the required self-isolation period and no longer show any symptoms.

“Our opponents Hollands & Blair have been notified of the situation and are happy that all guidelines have been followed correctly.

“The entire ground has been deep-cleaned – as it has been after each pre-season fixture and training session.”

Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Hollands & Blair issued the following statement just before 12 o’clock this morning to insist they will not be travelling down to west Sussex to play the fixture today.

“Due to some players testing positive for Covid-19 at Burgess Hill Town, Hollands & Blair have decided not to travel to West Sussex for their FA Cup Preliminary Round tie against the Isthmian League South East Division side,” said a statement posted on the club website of the Gillingham-based side.

“More information to follow as and when we can comment.

“For those wanting their football fix, Blair Reserves host Cuxton 1991 in a Kent County League Division One Central & East fixture, kick-off is 14:45.”

The tie has been awarded to Burgess Hill Town as the Football Association confirmed that “Hollands & Blair failed to fulfil fixture.”

Burgess Hill Town will now progress through to the First Qualifying Round on Tuesday 22 September 2020.

Simon Halsey's side came away from Colliers Wood United with a 1-0 win in the Preliminary Round on Wednesday 2 September, courtesy of Matthew Gething's first-half header.

Visit Burgess Hill Town’s website: www.bhtfc.co.uk

Visit Hollands & Blair’s website: www.hollandsandblair.co.uk