Decision is tough to take but the right one

The Scottish Junior Football Association’s management committee and the Scottish Football Association have confirmed that all games below Championship level have been put on hiatus until February 6 at the earliest.

The decision is being made due to a rise in Covid-19 cases across the country.

Tayport had been scheduled to meet Lochee United last weekend before the call was made to postpone the junior leagues temporarily.

Newburgh were due to take to the field too but their fixture against Luncarty was a victim of the freezing conditions.

The East Shore Park club admits it is frustrated that the campaign has already been shelved but says there are more important things to be concerned with.

“We are fully supportive of the stop to football, disappointing as it is, as we understand the need to keep everyone safe,” a spokesman told the Herald.

“Our management team have organised an online fitness programme for the players and will keep in regular contact with them throughout the shutdown as we feel we have a responsibility to ensure that they are coping with the changes.

“Football is a release for a lot of players and it becomes a safe space for them. We have always been really keen to look after their mental health as well as physical health.”