Felixstowe and Walton United have moved a step closer to welcoming football fans back their Goldstar Ground in Dellwood Avenue, after the government race the go-ahead for lower league clubs to allow supporters through the turnstile at the beginning of the new season

The Seasiders are waiting for clarification from the Football Association before releasing their own plans for their supporters' safe return to watch them play in the Isthmian League North Division.

Depending on the fixture list, Felixstowe fans could be seeing their side in action from Tuesday, September 1, with social distancing in place. Protocols confirmed by the government include groups of no more than six gathering together, with other groups well spaced in between. A track and trace system will be put in place and a one-way route to control the flow.

Sports minister Nigel Huddleston last night announced non-league clubs below National League level could open their gates for the first time since March 23, with the new date set for September 1.

Thee date for elite level clubs, including Ipswich Town, remains October 1, with pilot matches to be played first.

The moves follows a petition signed by more than 10,000 football supporters and later signed by more than 30 MPs calling for fans to be allowed back into smaller grounds, or risk them closing forever.

The Seasiders start a series of four friendlies at their Dellwood Avenue ground from Saturday, and while the clubhouse will be open there will be no access to the pitch area.

Meanwhile, Felixstowe & Walton's executive committee is appealing a £1,000 imposed on the club by the Eastern Counties league, after they withdrew their reserve side in March, due to the Cornonavirus pandemic.