Boston Saturday League null and void... but there is 'appetite' for replacement matches

The 2018-19 campaign was the last time the Boston League saw a full season completed.

The Boston and District Saturday Football League has been declared null and void - but officials hope a replacement competition can be organised.

The decision was made at last night's committee meeting, with clubs being contacted earlier today.

The Government's post-lockdown roadmap allows outdoor sports to return on March 29, but with almost 400 outstanding fixtures across four divisions, it was felt curtailing the season was the only option.

"The management committee concluded that with so little football having been played, and insufficient time remaining in order to complete the outstanding fixtures, that the 2020-21 season be declared null and void," chairman Roger Gell said.

"However, the league committee recognised there was an appetite for local football to recommence and in the shape of competitive fixtures.

"We are keen to facilitate this by providing some football in the interim and we will be ascertaining from member clubs the level of support for such or considering alternative arrangements."

Clubs can now have a say whether or not they want to set up an alternative competition to be played across April, May and June.

"We are going to approach the clubs to see the level of support for some form of football between now and May 29," Mr Gell added.

"We are very mindful that in December, when football was allowed to be played, there were many teams who declined due to the high Covid infection rate in the area.

"The infection rate int the area remains higher than national average, so it is a case of seeing how much interest there is to want to support some form of football."

While he felt ending the season was the only logical outcome, Mr Gell admitted a frustration that the past two seasons have not been completed.

He said: "We want local football to resume but the lack of time has been the problem.

"I think null and void was the only practical option the league had. We couldn't get 396 fixtures played in the remaining time frame.

"The decision was taken with great disappointment as, in successive seasons, the Boston and District Saturday League has been declared null and void.

"The league is here to provide football. Not to do so is contrary to our objective and a decision we don't want to be making."