IT has finally been announced Brighouse Town will not return to competitive action until at least December 16.

Yesterday, it was confirmed fixtures in the Northern Premier League scheduled for December 5 and 8 had been postponed.

But clubs were still waiting to see when they could resume their campaigns', which have been paused since the second national lockdown.

This evening, the Trident Leagues (NPL, Southern and Isthmian leagues) were officially suspended with reviews set to take place on the aforementioned date and December 30.

Town are still able to host their friendly with Bradford side Thackley tomorrow though albeit behind closed doors.

Speaking of friendlies, Bradford (Park Avenue) were forced into calling off their charity match with Ossett United due to the snowy conditions.

The NPL statement read: "Following the statement issued by the Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Football Leagues yesterday, further clarification can now be given in relation to the voting following the Zoom meetings held by all 3 Trident Leagues with their member clubs to discuss the impact of the raising of the lockdown on 2nd December.

"There were 224 Clubs voting across the three leagues, and of these 172 agreed with the proposition to continue the pause in fixtures, 51 disagreed and there was one abstention.

"Broken down by leagues, 57 Clubs in the Northern Premier League voted to agree with four disagreeing. 68 Clubs in the Southern League agreed with 14 disagreeing. In the Isthmian League, it was much closer with 47 Clubs agreeing, 33 disagreeing and one abstention.

"The “Agree” vote was therefore 76% and it has been agreed that the three Leagues will not sanction fixtures at this time.

"It is intended that the situation is kept under review in line with government review on the tier allocations and restrictions.

"Accordingly, the next review is set for 16 December and then 30 December.

"It is the hope of all the leagues that a date in January can be set for a return to fixtures with clubs who wish being allowed to play before that date but this will not be until there is a change in the tiers and/or some progress in the funding of the clubs at this level.

"The Government has allocated £25m to Sport England to fund Steps 1 to 6 of the National Leagues System, of which £14m is set for Steps 3-6 but is heavily weighted in favour of loans, not grants.

"The FA is working tirelessly with DCMS and Sport England to have the funding presented as Grants.

"However, these negotiations take time, and it is not expected to have an answer or clarification of details of even the loans until mid-January.

"The deep concern of all involved in the NLS is that circumstances may mean that it is not possible to conclude the current format of competition in a manner in which promotion and relegation can be achieved throughout the whole pyramid with Step 2 being brought up to 48 Clubs and Step 4 brought up to 240 Clubs.

"If, therefore, no progress is made by the government on the tiers in either of the two December reviews, it is the intention of the Alliance Committee to circulate those concerned with a survey to gather the views of the clubs as how best to finish the season.

"Options will include an alternative format competition and extending the season possibly into June 2021.

"However the implications of all such proposals will involve the cost of players contracts and the ability of some clubs to continue playing because of other issues of grounds and the need to prepare grass pitches for the following season.

"The leagues are mindful of the needs of all Clubs and are striving to find a solution which is fair to all."