The Football Association is recommending the curtailment of the season at stages three to six of the National League System for the second campaign running. 

Since January 4, the Northern Premier League, which includes Atherton Colls and Radcliffe, and North West Counties League - Daisy Hill, Atherton LR and phoenix club Bury AFC - have been fully suspended.

A survey was taken to gather views on the continuation or conclusion of the 2020-21 league season, done in addition to the information set out in the Government’s roadmap this week.

The results showed more than 76 per cent of all clubs who responded across steps three to six indicated a preference “to curtail the 2020-21 league season if it could not be restarted with limited spectator numbers and hospitality before 1 April 2021”.

The FA said it was decided extending the campaign beyond the end of May 2021 “would not be a viable option due to various considerations”, which included financial implications, and player contracts as well potential fixture scheduling issues with so many of the games still to play.

A statement from the governing body read: “Taking into account the survey results and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, which continues to adversely affect incomes for clubs due to restrictions on both spectators and hospitality, our alliance and leagues committees have reached a consensus that, subject to the approval of FA Council, the 2020-21 league season for Steps 3-6 of the NLS should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league matches taking place this season.”

The collective recommendations will be presented to the FA Council for ratification in due course.

A potential restructuring at steps four to six, which was previously agreed and has been on hold since the 2019-20 season, is to also be revisited, the FA also confirmed.