South Shields' historic FA Cup tie with Cheltenham Town to go ahead as planned despite second national lockdown

South Shields’ historic FA Cup tie at Cheltenham Town will go ahead as planned, the Football Association have confirmed.
South Shields' historic FA Cup tie with Cheltenham Town to go ahead as planned despite second national lockdownSouth Shields' historic FA Cup tie with Cheltenham Town to go ahead as planned despite second national lockdown
South Shields' historic FA Cup tie with Cheltenham Town to go ahead as planned despite second national lockdown

The Mariners have made the first round proper of the competition for the first time and were handed a tie against the League Two side last week.

But doubts were cast over the trip to Whaddon Road after the announcement that the country would enter a second national lockdown on Thursday.

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However, the FA have confirmed that first round cup ties will not be affected.

A statement from the governing body read: “We can confirm that all Emirates FA Cup first round ties will go ahead this weekend as planned.

“The UK Government has confirmed that the ten non-elite clubs that remain in the competition will be able to play their matches under elite protocols. Matches will take place between 6-9 November 2020. All ties will be played behind closed doors, in line with COVID-19 guidelines.”