MANAGERS in non-league are starting to worry about potential postponements due to the Omicron variant – with memories of two seasons expunged fresh in the mind.

In the Southern League Premier South there is all to play for – Tom Killick and Poole Town dream of a play-off push, whilst James Stokoe and Wimborne Town hope to avoid the drop.

With the professional game hit by multiple postponements, there have been calls for a break in fixtures to stop the spread – but non-league seems to be soldiering on regardless.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Stokoe stated: “It does seem to be on the increase again.

“The pro-game [yesterday] had quite a few postponements. I think it is only a matter of time until non-league teams start losing players through positive tests.

“We’ve already seen in our league Hendon’s last two games postponed due to the number of positive tests in their camp.

“It’s not looking ideal, but until we hear anything with proper confirmation, we just keep going about our business, trying to keep players fit and healthy, and COVID-free, preparing for games as best we can.”

It’s a view shared by Stokoe’s opposite number across the Stour – with Tom Killick wary of potential postponements, whilst still trying to plan as best as he can amid all the uncertainty.

“There’s two elements to it,” began Killick. “First and foremost, is the disruption of teams suffering from cases of COVID so significant that to try and carry on almost becomes unfair really.

“For arguments sake, you could have a game where one team has five out through COVID, and the other team with none – and the team with five out are forced to play the fixture.

“Whilst everyone wants to carry on, I feel there has to be an overall feeling of fairness from a footballing perspective.

“In terms of everything else, we have to just wait and see. Compared to previous times, I would say that there seems to be more cases of players becoming infected by the virus, and therefore I am concerned there is going to have be some sort of disruption.

“As with everything really, you have to carry on until you’re told otherwise. We’re continuing to comply with COVID protocols as much as we can, trying to minimise the risk.

“If you stop training, you’re at the point where you have to stop playing games.”

As it stands, both Poole and Wimborne are set to play their scheduled fixtures this weekend – with Dolphins hosting Salisbury, whilst Magpies entertain Gosport Borough (both kick-offs 3pm.)