NON-ELITE football has been suspended indefinitely across the country as England is plunged into its third national lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a televised address on Monday evening when he announced the strict measures.

The FA said all fixtures and training across a number of English leagues would be suspended, including steps three to six of the national league system.

“It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers and facility providers adhere to the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and we implore everyone to follow these,” an FA spokesperson said.

It means that clubs in Hereford like Westfields, Lads Club and Pegasus will be without games until an as yet undecided date.

Wellington are also in the same position. The uhlsport Hellenic League had already suspended all games prior to the Government announcement, with the club’s manager now struggling to see the Division One West season being completed.

Some clubs have 20 games left to play, but even if the season was extended, boss Jon Pugh remains doubtful.

He added: “Now this has happened I can’t see the league being finished, I really can’t. I think we’re going to be in the same position as we were last year and I really do feel sorry, as much as they are our competitors, for Lads Club, Peggy and Malvern who were in a prime position to get into those top four spots.

“I was confident with what we had that we could drag ourselves back up the league and give ourselves a chance, but it will be really disappointing for those clubs if that’s what happens.”