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National League clubs have been told they will receive an emergency grant to enable them to start the new season this weekend. Officials have been in talks with the government over funding to help cover the losses incurred by a ban on fans. Last week the government scrapped plans for a partial return of spectators from 1 October. The National League said it was hopeful a "critical financial support package" could be agreed. National League North clubs said they did not want to begin playing without crowds, and there had been fears some would withdraw from the FA Cup to avoid triggering player contracts they could not afford to continue. But on Tuesday clubs received an email from the league's chief executive Michael Tattersall telling them that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) was "working at pace… to design a package of support that will give the National League the reassurance it needs". "This will include grants to cover essential revenue lost from fans not returning on 1 October as planned." Clubs were told "the government recognises the immediate pressure National League clubs are under in respect of starting their season and are committed to play resuming in a viable way". The size of any grant is yet to be confirmed, but BBC Sport understands the league is hoping for around £2-3m per month. Tattersall wrote that more details were needed, but that the update was intended to "provide reassurance to the National League ahead of the season starting this weekend". The National League is due to begin on Saturday, 3 October with the regional sixth-tier North on 5 October and South on 6 October.

They have been shown on BT Sports, our games are on iFollow

You really don't see the hypocrisy in this?

This possibly is the craziest announcement so far? TAKEN FROM: https://www.wealdstone-fc.com/post/wealdstone-vs-chesterfield-live-screening On Saturday we kick off our National League campaign as we host Chesterfield at The Vale. Unfortunately this match will be played behind closed doors due to Covid-19 restrictions however live streaming is available to purchase via our website https://www.wealdstone-fc.com/live-stream We are also delighted to announce that Wealdstone Supporters Club are hosting a live screening of the game at Ruislip Social Club (@TheVale_SC) Numbers will be limited due to social distancing and tickets are available to purchase online priced at £10 (reduced to £5 for season ticket holders) which includes a free beer, cider, wine or soft drink. All windows and viewing access to the pitch will be closed off and stewarding will be in place to ensure no access to the ground. We ask everyone attending wear a face mask on arrival and when leaving their table at any point during the afternoon. Social distancing must be adhered to and table service will apply for drinks. The club will be open from 12 noon to show the day’s Premier League fixtures starting with Chelsea vs Crystal Palace at 12.30pm followed by Leeds vs Manchester City at 5.30pm. Tickets are available online at https://wealdstonefc.ktckts.com/merchandise/wldstreamchest/screening-v-chesterfield Your support is appreciated and we look forward to at least welcoming a few supporters into the social club on Saturday.

I'm surprised to see that the London Marathon is taking place this weekend albeit for elite runners only. Why go through all the hassle of shutting off the streets and flying people in from around the world? Is the sponsorship money that great that London needs to host the event? It will be interesting to see how many people go out to watch it live as would assume that the majority of people watching a normally friends and family of the fun runners/ local running clubs

Craig Maxwell-Keys will take charge of Leicester Tigers’ trip to Bristol Bears in Round 21 of the Gallagher Premiership season this Wednesday (September 30, 5.30pm), replacing Christoph Ridley who was originally appointed to officiate the fixture. He will be assisted from the Ashton Gate touchlines by Tom Foley and Paul Dix, while Claire Hodnett serves as Television Match Official in place of Maxwell-Keys. David Guyan is named as citing officer.

But it was one of the reasons the final was 5 days, the other thing. Everyone knew the rule before the first ball was bowled in the tournament Just like the group winners knew only the two highest points winners would qualify for the final

I see 2020/21 seasons fixtures released 11am Tuesday

Funniest moment when I guy was limping off and his coach was trying to say it was a head injury No idea why but lost sound in the second half

Something needs to change pretty quickly or this game will be over

Here we go then boys 27-1

WeathWeather forecast looks OK for the rest of the match ready to start....

Bad light stopped play

3 overs tonight? Be nice to get at least one out Will they open with a night watchman?

Considering Ben Green said we were aiming for 250, they must be happy hitting 301

Was just thinking, if we bat through to the close today, that'll be 107 overs. We'd need to ideally bat at least 13 more overs. (Get the 120 in) Essex at some point would need a minimum of 4 sessions to get their 120 overs in. (Depending on weather interruptions) That means heading into the evening session on day 4 AT BEST. Leaving 4 sessions for both second innings. Certainly looking like being decided by first innings scores. I wonder if batting third could help us? If we're ahead after both first innings, we'd have no reason to push the game especially if more overs are lost

Depends how you mean a draw If you mean the match isn't completed after 5 days. As long as both sides completed their first innings, whichever side scored more in the first innings wins. If both teams don't complete their first innings, the title is shared If the scores are tied after completing all innings the title is shared

4:30 start now - hopefully

3:45pm start. Hopefully bat through to the end of the day

Let's hope we get our full 120 overs in

Some new stills starting to be released in the gradual ramp up to the release

Just been texting a friend up in Nottingham he went to a music event hosted by Radio one. He said it was busy but felt safe. People had to wear face covering. I'm confused how events are still happening. I noticed earlier Maya Jama was sharing details of how to go to TV recordings of a show shes recording over the next two evenings

Evenly balanced after first day Massive first session whenever it gets restarted

It's not A FACT at all, it's your opinion and nothing more @Robert the bruce On the basis that medical experts were queuing up and falling over themselves to point out the figures provided earlier in the week were both incorrect and that their own numbers didn't add up. Here's some FACTS for you, The EFL are already in talks with parliament to get a mapping laid out on fans returning this season. These discussions will be held in the coming weeks to get fans back in for test events again.