On a day in which the government has announced a number of fresh measures to combat the spread of coronavirus – including pausing plans to bring supporters back into stadiums from October 1 – there were concerns from some quarters that sporting fixtures may be at risk. But the Echo understands that there are currently no plans to stop the EFL fixture schedule continuing as planned, meaning Sunderland’s clash with the Posh will go ahead as usual. Pilot fixtures planned for this weekend are set to be postponed, however. Speaking today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We will not be able to do this [reopen stadiums] from 1st October. “I recognise how this affects sport clubs and the Chancellor and Culture Secretary are working urgently on what we can do to support them.” Meanwhile, under-23 manager Elliott Dickman was pleased with how his side started the 2020/21 campaign – despite a 3-2 defeat at Burnley. “We are disappointed with the result, but the performance was good,” he told safc.com. "We have had a turnaround of players and yesterday was the first time we have trained together as a team, but we created some really good chances. “All the players have come back into the club in good condition, both physically and mentally. "The morale in the group is good and in a short space of time, we can see a good togetherness and work ethic in the group. "Now, we need to take the positives and look forward.” A message from the Football Clubs Editor: Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year. This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Sunderland Echo, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details at sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/sports. Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear Football Clubs Editor