Former Boston United defender Alex Whittle joins Chesterfield... but will Pilgrims’ FA Trophy contest with Spireites go ahead?

Former Boston United defender Alex Whittle has joined National League Chesterfield, who the Pilgrims are due to face in the FA Trophy.

However, there are question marks as to what will happen with next Saturday’s scheduled contest as the Spireites are currently isolating due to positive Covid-19 tests.

Last night Chesterfield announced today’s league contest with Bromley will not go ahead due to ‘positive test results’.

Players and management staff are now isolating for a 10-day period, which appears to include January 16, the date of the scheduled Trophy clash at the Jakemans Community Stadium.

Boston were forced to withdraw from the FA Cup due to being in isolation when they were due to host Hemel Hempstead.

However, different approaches have already occurred in the Trophy this term.

National League South Maidstone United’s self isolation period clashed with the date of their Trophy clash with Poole last month and the match was put back four days.

Yet in October Chasetown withdrew from the competition ‘following advice from the FA’ after one player tested positive.

Whittle left United after August’s play-off final defeat to Altrincham, moving to Gloucester City.

However, he became a Spireite yesterday, linking up with his old Tigers boss James Rowe.

Whittle would not be able to feature in the FA Trophy against United, having featured for Gloucester in the competition this season.

Boston return to action this afternoon, hosting York City (KO 3pm).

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