Marine secure Covid capacity increase

Thanks to their exploits in FA competitions, Marine have been the most active NPL club since the second lockdown in November - playing two home games in the FA Trophy and a home game in the FA Cup, as well as beating Colchester United away from home.

They have returned to league action with two away games in the past week, and will host Prescot Cables in the league on New Year’s Day, their first home league fixture since October 27.

And following discussions with their local council, they have secured a capacity increase from 400 to 566.

Chairman Paul Leary said: “"As part of our consultations with the FA regarding the Tottenham Hotspur game the FA appointed the Sports Grounds Safety Authority to determine the stadium covid capacity.

“Following the survey we were advised that our capacity can be increased to 566. We are very pleased with this notification by the SGSA which sees our covid capacity increase from 400 to 566.

“For the Tottenham Hotspur game we have agreed on a comprise attendance of 500 recognising the amount TV broadcasting equipment that will be in the ground for that Emirates FA Cup game."

Meanwhile, Marine have released details of a sporting dinner it will hold on the eve of their FA Cup third round tie against Tottenham Hotspur.

Held on Friday January 8, speakers will be John Roche and Keith Johnson, both former players who played in the only other time Marine played in the third round of the FA Cup against Crewe back in 1992/93.

Tickets are limited to 100, with people sitting in their bubbles, and available for £35 per person via the club.