Congleton Town's hopes of resuming the season were dealt a hammer blow with news this afternoon (Thursday, 26 March) that the campaign will be scrapped.

The Bears were 14th in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division.

Reacting to the news, Congleton Town's chairman Nigel Moorhouse told Nub News: "Footballs not really too much of a priority right now, there are more important things going on.

"We had expected this to happen, there wasn't really anything that could be done apart from extending the season, which would have then had a knock-on effect on next season.

"I do feel sorry for the teams that were chasing promotion in the leagues effected.

"But it doesn't really affect us, we weren't anywhere near the top or bottom of the table."

A statement from the footballing authorities this afternoon said: "The FA and the leagues at steps Three to six of the National League System have reached a consensus that the 2019/20 season for steps three to six will be ended with immediate effect and all the results will be expunged.

"This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between steps three to six or relegation from step two.

"In light of the above, these decisions will also apply to the leagues and clubs who play at step seven of the National League System.

"The FA will continue to assist and support the National League (Steps One and Two of the NLS) to determine the outcome of its 19/20 season as quickly as possible."

The planned implementation of the restructure of the NLS will be deferred until the start of the 21/22 season.

The decisions reached by the NLS leagues will be recommended to the FA board and FA Council for final ratification.