Shropshire Star

Cymru Premier to return with fans next week after restrictions lifted

All domestic football in Wales will return next weekend with supporters in grounds - after the Welsh Government decided to relax Covid-19 restrictions.

Published

Fixtures in the top two divisions were postponed over Christmas due to Government restrictions banning supporters due to the rise of the Omicron variant.

Games were planned to go ahead in February when it was hoped restrictions would have been lifted. That date has now been brought forward in light of the new Government announcement - meaning leaders The New Saints will return to action on Friday January 21 against rivals Connah's Quay Nomads.

The following day Newtown will play their first game since the re-start against Haverfordwest County at Latham Park.

Cymru Premier General Manager Gwyn Derfel is happy to have been able to give club's clarity after a difficult period.

He said: "It is nice to have clarity moving forward.

"It isn't the same without supporters, but we had come up with a plan to return in early February.

"Now, with this new announcement, it means we don't have to fit games in over a short period, there will be less mid week games.

"It's good news overall, for clubs and for supporters."

Leaders TNS have a 12 point gap to Chris Hughes' Robins in second - with both sides having five fixtures left to play before the league splits into two.