THE FA Council have officially ratified the decision to curtail Steps 3 to 6 of the National League System, with no further league matches to be played this season.

The decision was taken at the end of February, so clubs like Thackley, Eccleshill United and Silsden knew this was coming, but all matters like this must go through the FA Council first before they are officially confirmed.

It is crucial to remember that at this stage, the season has only been curtailed, rather than declared null and void.

This means there remains the possibility that the likes of Liversedge (Step 5) and Campion (Step 6), who were right near the top when the season was stopped, could be in line for a promotion due to a restructuring of the system at that level.

Sedge of course still have the small matter of the 2020/21 FA Vase to worry about, and they will play their last-32 match against Hebburn Town on April 17.

Applications for next year's Vase, and FA Cup, are now open, with clubs having until April 16 to register their interest.

Other news of interest for Northern Counties East League clubs, like Sedge, Thackley, Eccleshill, Campion and Silsden, is that the league's AGM will take place on June 12, hopefully in person.