PLAYERS are fully behind Winsford Saxons’ goals despite the latest suspension to football caused by Covid-19, says manager Gary Lee Jamieson.

They were eager to get back on the park and bury the 5-2 loss they suffered against Runcorn in the Chester and Wirral League on December 19 but the introduction of Tier 4 restrictions means non-elite sport, including team training, has to be sidelined for the time being.

“Runcorn was a tough game as we felt we had done enough to get something out of it,” said Jamieson.

“There were a few mitigating circumstances which contributed to it we felt, such as Runcorn using their first-team players against us, which is allowed, but just annoying as they probably won’t kick a ball for the reserves again all season.

“And we lost Charlie Woodward to ankle ligament damage from a terrible tackle.

“We were very much looking forward to tackling 2021 head on as we have work to do to get promotion in our first season in the Chester and Wirral Football League. We had a friendly arranged with Sandbach Curshaws for January 2 to make sure we hit the ground running.

“We were due to face Chester Nomads at home in the league on the 9th, and then a tasty cup tie versus Crewe FC Reserves from the Cheshire League, who we beat in last year’s semi final.

“Last season Covid-19 halted our season when we truly felt we were on for a treble, as we’d reached two cup finals and were top of our league. Only Nantwich Town beat us from January-March, 2020, we won every other game.”

Last term was his first in charge of Saxons.

“It was a complete rebuild and a slow start, but as we went into 2020 everything started to click and we became a great side,” he said.

“Lots of work went on behind the scenes during the summer of to get us geared up for 2020-21 in our new league, but we were battered with injuries to key players, a number of which are yet to kick a ball for us since the summer.

“Gerrad Quine, Karl Felton, Farrell Duncan and Sam Dodd all did serious knee injuries and have not played since August,

“Sam Fallows, a new signing from Middlewich Town, damaged his ankle in his first training session with us and only managed one game beforehand.

“Ryan Hughes, Dylan Williams, Charlie Woodward all suffered ankle injuries in the first two months of the season,

“James Crowther broke a wrist and missed six weeks.

“One good thing to come from 2020-21 is of course Callum Herbert, he has slotted in and given us everything we need as a striker, perfect for how we play.

“His constant pressing and ability on the ball gives us a platform to build around him.”

“The lads are 100 per cent invested in our end game, to progress the club further.

“We have a solid squad with a few ‘captains’ in among it, many voices all ensuring we pull in the same direction.

“We have brought back Greg Lumsden and James Cain, who were due to play again next weekend, but that will have to wait.

“The lads are in constant contact with one another in our group chat and we know most will continue to keep themselves ticking over fitness wise.

“We feel Chester and Wirral Football League are very proactive and real football people, they will continue to do whatever they can to finish the season, as long as the Government don’t intervene and end any hopes.”