Buildbase FA Trophy dates
By Ray Simpson
Midweek game in December
The FA has sent us an update on this season's FA Trophy. We have exemption until the second round, which means another midweek game in December.
"Following the suspension of The Buildbase FA Trophy Competition 2020-21 during the period of the national lockdown between 5 November and 3 December, please see the confirmed schedule below which has been agreed in conjunction with Leagues Committee and National Game Competitions Committee for the restart of the Competition;
"The objective of the following schedule is to ensure the Competition can complete as many fixtures as possible on time in an equitable manner and to ensure it remains on schedule.
Round Dates
First Round Proper Tuesday 8 December as the default date. Clubs can play on Saturday 5 OR Sunday 6 December providing both Clubs are in agreement. Any postponed matches would need to be rescheduled within the five-day Postponement Window (i.e. on or before Sunday 13 December).
Second Round Proper Tuesday 15 December as the default date. Any postponed matches must be rescheduled within the five-day Postponement Window (i.e. on or before Sunday 20 December).
Third Round Proper Saturday 19 December as the default date. Any postponed matches must be rescheduled within the five-day Postponement Window (i.e. on or before Thursday 24 December).
"We fully appreciate the challenges some Clubs may face as a result of this scheduling. However, due to the impact of COVID-19 and the uncertainty it has created, the schedules and actions above are considered appropriate to bring the Competition back on schedule as quickly as possible and to mitigate any further risk to it progressing.
"Please also be advised there would need to be a further review of the Competition should the national lockdown be extended beyond 3 December. In such circumstances, The FA will contact Clubs with an update as soon as it is able to do so."
