WITH fans allowed back inside grounds at Northern Premier League level and below from tomorrow, Saturday, Witton Albion and Northwich Victoria have explained why the doors will remain shut for their friendly.

Wincham Park will not reopen to a limited number of spectators until Monday, August 31, for a first look at Carl Macauley's revamped team - with centre back Steve McNulty being the latest of six summer signings.

Brian Turner, chairman of Vics who are tenants at Wincham Park, confirmed in a statement: "A number of modifications need to be carried out at the ground and social club to meet Government and FA guidelines, before spectators can be allowed into the ground."

An Albion club statement reads: "A meeting has taken place and due to the measures that are needed to ensure the safety and security of the spectators and everybody within the football club we will be now permitting supporters back into the ground as from Monday 31st August 2020.

"The social club will also be re-opening on that date. The friendly on Saturday against Northwich Victoria will remain behind closed doors.

"Under the current FA guidance, we are permitted to allow entry to 300 spectators on 31st August and games after that date will see a present cap at 600 until the recommendations are relaxed in due course.

"More details regarding the new safety measures will be released over the next few days and the risk assessment will be amended accordingly.

"We look forward to seeing you again on 31st August. Stay safe."

Vics' chairman Turner has given a flavour of what's in store for supporters when attending matches in what remain as difficult times due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This includes supporters signing in and providing contact details.

"It is up to us all now, as supporters we need to play our part, and adhere to basic Government and FA guidelines on Covid-19, such as social distancing, and NHS Track and Trace," he said in a club statement.

"For the club to be able to adhere to the guidelines we require volunteers for various roles around the ground, PPE will be provided.

"The club has issued a Risk Assessment on Covid-19, and I enclose both the club statement and guidelines for supporters, however, I would ask that everyone takes time to read the full document which appears on our website under the Information tab at the top."

Vics' summary statement reads: "Northwich Victoria Football Club has a duty of care to protect the safety and welfare of its staff, volunteers, and all supporters at all times.

"All activities will be carried out in line with the current Government Covid-19 guidelines, and NHS track and trace. To that end we would ask everyone entering Wincham Park to follow basic guidelines:

"DO NOT enter if you are suffering from any of the Covid-19 symptoms as set out by the Government, or if you have been in contact with a person who was tested positive for Covid-19.

"Follow social distancing rules, wash your hands and use the hand sanitiser provided both before entry and within the ground.

"Avoid touching where possible and if you need to cough or sneeze, use a tissue and bin it – your sleeve if no tissue."

And in further guidelines to supporters, a statement reads: "Data of all supporters is to be taken either before or after entry to the ground and will be held in compliance with Government guidelines and NHS track and trace.

"Entry will be via the turnstile near to the main car park, social distancing to be adhered to, hand sanitiser will be provided both prior and on entry to the ground and located at various points around the ground, such as toilets, club shop and snack bar.

"Various signs relating to Covid-19, such as hand sanitisers, social distancing signs, and floor markings will be displayed around the ground.

"Prior to a match, a tannoy announcement will be made regarding the need for everyone to adhere to the Government guidelines regarding Covid-19."

Witton go into tomorrow's clash with Vics on the back of a 4-0 loss against Crewe Alexandra behind closed doors on Tuesday.