FOOTBALL clubs at non-league step three and below have been given the green light to welcome fans this weekend.

Until now under Covid-19 restrictions fans have been banned from pre-season matches which have been played behind closed doors.

However, the FA have said that a 'limited number' of spectators will be permitted to attend matches from this weekend.

In Herefordshire this will include Westfields, Hereford Lads Club, Hereford Pegasus and Wellington, but not Hereford FC games.

The FA state: "All clubs at steps three to six of the NLS and tiers three to four of the WFP are required to have a designated COVID-19 officer; complete and publish bespoke risk assessments and action plans; and arrange support for Track and Trace efforts before implementing the following:

"Stage one: From 22 August 2020 to 30 August 2020, spectators are permitted to attend fixtures at steps three to six of the NLS and tiers three to four of the WFP, providing that their number does not exceed 15 per cent of the minimum ground grading capacity at these levels or respective figures set out within our updated guidelines

If a club at these levels does not play any fixtures during this period, it must have played at least one pre-season or competitive fixture in accordance with its respective level of spectators before moving on to stage two

"Stage two: From 31 August 2020, clubs at steps three to six of the NLS and tiers three to four of the WFP will be permitted to allow spectators to attend fixtures provided that their number does not exceed 30 per cent of the minimum ground grading capacity at their level or the respective figures set out within our updated guidelines. However, they must be satisfied that they have been able to comply with the Government’s guidance on the return to recreational team sport and our updated guidelines

The phased and limited return of spectators at these levels will be kept under constant review in line with the UK Government’s guidelines and will be amended accordingly as required."

Hereford Pegasus state that in summary this will mean that spectators permitted will be limited to 150 on Saturday and 300 the following week.

Local football fixtures this Saturday are: Wellington v Worcester City; Westfields v US Portsmouth (2pm); Hereford Lads Club v Droitwich Spa.