‘It’s a joke, it’s farcical’ – Horndean boss Birmingham criticises decision to play midweek ‘non elite’ games prior to second lockdown

And the Horndean boss stressed peoples' health is unnecessarily being put at risk for the sake of 90 minutes of football.

The Deans are due to travel to Wessex League Premier Division bottom side Amesbury Town on Tuesday.

But Birmingham believes the fact the fixture is being staged is 'farcical'.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced over the weekend that the UK would enter a second national lockdown from Thursday.

Although elite football will continue during this period, it looks increasingly likely that grassroots sport will be suspended for four weeks.

And that has left Birmingham questioning why matches below at step three and below are going to be staged this week.

‘I think it’s pointless and a waste of time,' he fumed.

‘You have got people who now have to finish work early to go to play this one game knowing in two days’ time they’re not going to be playing for four weeks. What’s the point?

‘Why not just nip it in the bud now and say, ‘we’re going to have four weeks off as from now and don’t worry about these games’.

‘I don’t get why we’ve got to play this one game.

‘Like I say, if someone from Horndean catches something - and that might not be down to Amesbury, it might be down to someone from Horndean in a car.

‘I don’t get the point in why you’re trying to risk peoples’ health over 90 minutes of football. It’s farcical.

‘It’s a joke, it’s embarrassing actually.'

Despite Birmingham's reservations about the trip to Amesbury, the club are still planning to fulfill the fixture.

‘My first port of call is a duty of care to my players, backroom staff and my committee members. That’s my first care of duty,' Birmingham added.

‘I’m not happy one bit about doing this, I think it’s stupid.

‘We know what’s going on in that horrible world out there and it’s scary.

‘It should be stopped now.

‘At the end of the day, players, management - their health and safety comes first before three points or a point.'

Third-placed Horndean are bidding for a sixth successive Wessex victory, while Amesbury only possess one point from their opening eight games and are bottom.