League Two play-off semi-finalists Exeter, Colchester and Northampton hit by coronavirus as Portsmouth and League One still argue

Exeter, Cheltenham, Colchester and Northampton have been admitted into the play-off campaign following the league’s decision to settle places through points per game.

As a consequence, League Two’s first round of testing was introduced on Thursday and Friday, with 135 players and club staff examined.

The outcome was seven individuals were found to be positive from three of the four play-off clubs.

Colchester account for four of those from the 28 players and staff tested, with play-off semi-final opponents Exeter registering two.

Meanwhile, Northampton physio Ignacio Herrando represents their positive test, described as ‘asymptomatic and feeling no ill effects’.

The only club unaffected are Chelteham.

In a statement, the Football League said: ‘Those players or club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate in line with the guidelines provided by the EFL and only those who have tested negative will be permitted to enter training ground facilities.’

As part of procedures, every player or member of staff attending a training ground must complete a screening protocol to detect any symptoms prior to entering.

They are also required to complete a daily medical questionnaire submitted before training ground arrival on training days. Entrance is denied to those who fail to complete the form before arrival.

With League One still to reach agreement on how to decide their season, testing has not been introduced.

Meanwhile, in the Championship’s third round of testing, 10 individuals were found to be positive out of the 1,058 who contributed.

They include Preston’s Jayden Stockley, a former Pompey loanee, and an unnamed member of staff at Cardiff.