National League gets back up and running for the first time since lockdown and Government bailout

The opening day of the 2020-21 National League season saw a whopping 26 goals scored just days after England’s non-league clubs were handed a £10million bailout by the Government.  

Clubs in the three-league division were given a lifeline despite crippling finances caused by behind closed doors matches during the coronavirus lockdown as the FA will distribute the bailout money to cover the first three months of the season.

The National League clubs are understood to have lost over £1million in gate receipts due to the global pandemic and many sides were fearing for their long-term future as the Government delayed the return of supporters to stadium – which was meant to happen this weekend. 

Eastleigh beat Barnet 5-1 in the opening weekend of the 2020-21 National League season

Alex Wynter managed to score in north London as matches were played behind closed doors

But as the players’ playing contracts began today, so did the new season as Eastleigh were the day’s biggest winners in the fifth-tier of English football which began this weekend.  

The Spitfires hammered Barnet 5-1 in north London with five different goalscorers getting on the scoresheet on Saturday afternoon. 

Fellow National League side Wrexham also picked up an opening day win and  the Welsh side were cheered on virtually by prospective new owner Rob McElhenney, who is looking to invest in the club alongside Holywood actor Ryan Reynolds.

The UK Government gave its support to non-league clubs by promising a £10million bailout

Wrexham also won on Saturday and were cheered on by potential new owner Rob McElhenney

Notts County, who were just one win away from a return to the Football League via last season’s play-offs, suffered a shock 1-0 defeat away to Dover Athletic, while Yeovil Town shared the points with newly-promoted minnows King’s Lynn.

The £10million bailout will be crucial in keeping these clubs alive, with sports minister Nigel Huddleston claiming that the clubs in the most perilous financial situation will be prioritised first?

The minister told the House of Commons this week: ‘It (the money) will absolutely be focused on gate receipts. It will be based on those most in need.’ 

The second round of National League fixtures takes place in just a few days’ time, while the National League North and South divisions also begin in midweek.