STANWAY Rovers manager Danny Slatter admits it would be a "massive shame" if the non-league season is not completed - but says common sense must prevail.

The Thurlow Nunn League campaign has been halted until Saturday, April 4 at the earliest because of the coronavirus outbreak and an update is expected on March 30.

Stanway, third in the table, had been due to visit Mildenhall Town last Saturday.

However, the league's decision was made on Friday - meaning that game was off, along with other March fixtures against Norwich United, in both the League Cup semi-final and league, Haverhill Rovers and Ely City.

"I feel the correct decision has been made," said Slatter.

"As much as I love my football, and feel we were building good momentum going into a cup semi-final and important league games, the health of everybody involved is more important.

"It’s not great because if the season does get back underway then a fixture pileup may occur.

"From past experience, that's a big ask - not just from the players but everyone involved.

"But if the season doesn’t get completed, it would be a massive shame.

"Our recent victory at Wroxham saw my boys take a really positive step towards the season run-in and in football, when you're on a roll, that next game can’t come quick enough.

"Unfortunately, now we're unsure when or if that next game will come.

"But these decisions are made by the powers that be and out of my hands.

"I just hope common sense prevails."

In terms of training, Slatter says he and the club will keep reassessing their stance.

"We're just seeing how things are developing," he said.

"This week, we're not training at all but we'll evaluate next week.

"Thankfully, the lads are all fit and I know they keep their fitness up outside of football.

"I've told them all to take appropriate precautions and stay safe at the same time."

Stanway had been due to visit Norwich United in the League Cup semi-final tonight.

When football resumes, the winners will face the winners of the other last-four tussle - either Hackney Wick or Stowmarket Town.

In other football news, Essex and Suffolk Border League matches have now been suspended.

Games went ahead as scheduled last weekend but that has now changed.

"Having heard Boris Johnson and his health and scientific colleagues on the TV news special on Monday evening, with the advice clearly now to stop ALL non-essential social contact, the ESBL management committee have decided to suspend all fixtures until further," said secretary Alison Stanford.

"We will review the situation and be in touch again once this crisis has passed.

"In the meantime, please all take care of yourselves and your nearest and dearest."

The Colchester and District Youth League have also suspended all fixtures until further notice.