Sunderland Ladies see season postponed as FAWNL issue statement on coronavirus outbreak

The leagues had played on last weekend despite the upper tiers of the game being postponed until April 3rd at the earliest.

Sunderland Ladies faced Stoke City at Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground on Sunday and ran out 4-2 winners to maintain their exceptional form this season.

They now sit 11 points clear at the top of the Northern Premier Division, and have a game in hand on second-placed Derby County.

The league have issued a statement in which they said they took the decision following updated advice from the government on the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Following updated developments with COVID-19, the Women’s National League has taken the decision to suspend all league matches with immediate effect,” a statement reads.

“This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken following government advice to avoid all non-essential contact and travel. The FAWNL will continue to liaise with the FA and wider women’s football pyramid to reassess this position on an ongoing basis.

“The league management committee consider the welfare of everyone involved in the FAWNL as paramount to the decision made and encourage all clubs to follow the stringent advice as set out by the government.

“The league management committee thanks all clubs for their cooperation and adaptability particularly over the last few days and hopes that clubs, players, family, supporters and friends keep safe, well and supported over the next few weeks.”