Havant coach Raj Laly on why today’s hockey derby with Fareham was postponed due to coronavirus fears

Club officials liaised with both England Hockey and Fareham but, as a precaution, the clash was called off.

The Havant squad member, who attended training on Thursday, has not been tested but is self isolating for seven days.

Head coach Raj Laly felt the decision was the correct one for both player and supporter welfare as a Fareham counterpart had also displayed Covid-19 symptoms.

‘We thought the cancellation was best,' said Laly.

‘In our team, we had a member of the squad that had symptoms that were consistent with Covid-19 as per guidance.

‘He had a continuous cough and he was training on Thursday.

‘We had to inform the squad and I’m also aware that Fareham may have had a case in their squad as well.

‘It’s a continuous evolving situation.

‘I wouldn’t have thought we’d be postponing it we were talking a few days ago.

‘But the speed of how things are changing, we thought it was better to postpone and wait to see what happens in the week.’

No plans are currently in place for the suspension of the England Hockey League.

Havant have just two games of the season remaining, but Laly insisted player welfare was paramount moving forward.

‘At the moment, England Hockey are saying to continue to play,’ he explained.

‘But we have to make sure we make the right decision for our players.

'If we have a clinical case within our squad, the other players are going to be mindful of that.

‘If they develop symptoms, they’ll have to follow the same protocol.

'We’ll have to make a decision on training this week as well.'