Dartford co-chairman Steve Irving says they did not call for the National League South season to be suspended for two weeks.

The Darts are currently top of the table, albeit having played more games than all but one other team in the division.

Mr Irving also said that they did not favour either of the two other options put forward by the National League this week - a loan for clubs or a loan for the league which would then be distributed to clubs.

"The decision by the National League board to suspend the fixtures in the National League North and South (but not the top division) has come as a great shock and disappointment to all of us," he said.

"It seems that the ‘vast’ majority of clubs in the North and South called for suspension. We were not one of them.

"Although not wanting to take on any type of loan as a club and most certainly not wanting to rely on a loan to the League to be distributed fairly and equitably, we did very much want the league season to continue.

"We have been in contact with our Member of Parliament, Gareth Johnson, gaining his support in approaching the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

"The hope being that the second tranche of financial support can be in the form of grant aid (as with the first tranche) to avoid any clubs having to saddle themselves with debt to survive.

"This suspension may give time for the League to negotiate a change to this funding channel and for this reason, we support a temporary suspension."

Dartford held a trial game in September with fans at Princes Park for their friendly match against Dover.

It was the only time that they've played in front of supporters at home since the start of Covid-19 pandemic.

"Our overriding desire is to ensure that we continue to keep everybody involved in putting matches on in these terrible times as safe as we possibly can," added Mr Irving.

"The stringent protocols we have put in place are managed and monitored with great care. With this in mind, we very much want to continue the season as soon as possible.

"Our undying thanks must go to our staff and supporters association for all their hard work in achieving this.

"This great Club was founded by the great Community of Dartford in 1888 and rescued in 1992. Our supporters are the life blood of the Club and are missed terribly by everybody associated. I for one can’t wait for the day when we can open the gates again and be together supporting the team as one.

"Thanks go to all of our supporters for their continued support in these strange and worrying times. We will do our very best to keep everyone engaged and informed as to what happens next."

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