How return of supporters in tier three areas could be a boost for Moneyfields, Gosport Borough and other Southern League clubs

That's after the FA were granted approval for clubs between step 3-6 levels placed under tier three restrictions to allow a 'limited number of home spectators' to return to grounds.

Currently, the Southern League, Isthmian League and Northern Premier League have yet to restart despite the 'non-elite' football suspension being lifted earlier this month.

A decision was reached to pause any potential restart date until the first government review of the three-tier nationwide system on December 16 after 172 of the 224 trident league member clubs voted in favour of this step.

One reason a number of teams reached this decision was because of lost revenue with no spectators permitted to enter grounds at step three and below if they were in tier three areas.

However, the announcement that clubs can now allow home spectators in tier three areas could prompt a restart at Southern League, Isthmian League and Northern Premier League level.

The updated FA guidance states step three clubs can welcome up to 300 fans while at step four 200 spectators can attend matches – even if teams are placed under tier three restrictions.

Several Southern League teams are currently under tier three restrictions but both Moneyfields, who were beaten in the FA Trophy by Truro City last weekend, and Gosport will be hoping the new guidance prompts a return to action at some stage this month.