Prolific striker Lane will be fit again when Paulsgrove resume playing after lockdown

But Grove boss Wayne Grant has pinpointed one positive to come from the four-week non-elite football suspension in England - having a fully fit Danny Lane at his disposal again.

The striker played a crucial role in Paulsgrove's storming start in 2020/21, netting 12 goals in just seven appearances.

He started the season with a hat-trick against Liss, before scoring twice in his second game – an 8-1 romp at Stockbridge – and bagging four goals in his fourth match, in a 6-2 victory against Sway.

But Lane – who struck over 30 goals when Grove won the HPL title in 2017/18 - missed the two matches prior to lockdown because of a broken wrist sustained in a 5-1 win against Clanfield on the 3G pitch at Westleigh Park.

Lane, the club's joint-leading scorer this term along with summer signing Zak Willett, has now been given some extra time to get back to full fitness.

And Grant is delighted to have the marksman back available whenever Paulsgrove return to action.

‘The only good thing to come out of it for us is we’ve had Danny out with a broken wrist,’ stated the manager.

‘He’ll be back by the time we get back playing.

‘Danny would be ready even if we come back on December 5.

‘We’d have everyone available and that’s the good thing about having a strong squad, especially at Christmas and holiday periods, one comes in and one goes out.

'There will be some good headaches to have. I’d rather have that then struggling to put 11 players out every week.'

Grant stressed bringing the season to a halt was not the 'right decision', but emphasised the health of the nation must take priority.

'I don’t think anyone thinks it’s the right decision,' he added.

‘Unfortunately, the rules go above football, don’t they?

‘It’s not like anyone is gaining anything from it, everyone is in the same boat and it’s no advantage to anybody.

'At the end of the day, as much as we all love it, it is a game - people’s health has to come first.'