Folkestone Invicta's FA Trophy tie at Wrexham to be played behind-closed-doors - but fans can still watch the game live
Published: 17:33, 07 January 2022
Updated: 18:05, 07 January 2022
Details have been announced of how fans can watch Folkestone's highly anticipated FA Trophy tie at Wrexham - despite the match being played behind-closed-doors.
Invicta's historic fourth-round fixture next Saturday will now kick-off at 5.30pm at the Racecourse Ground as Covid-19 regulations in Wales, restricting the number who can attend sporting events, have been extended into next week.
A review next Friday will come too late to allow for any changes ahead of the game but, instead, both clubs have agreed to live stream the fixture, with the kick-off time needing to be changed to comply with UEFA rules as a result.
All profits from the stream will be split between the clubs, as per FA Trophy rules.
Neil Cugley's Folkestone, second in the Isthmian Premier table, were handed the tie against third-placed National League outfit Wrexham - now owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney - as their reward for reaching the fourth round for the first time in the club's history.
But just hours later, the prospect of fans being allowed to watch the tie was cast into doubt when it was announced spectators will be banned from all sporting events in Wales from Boxing Day to try and control the spread of the Omicron Covid variant.
"Following amicable discussions with Wrexham FC, we are pleased to announce that our FA Trophy match at Wrexham will kick-off at 5.30pm and be live streamed," a Folkestone club statement read.
"This will enable both Wrexham FC followers, and our supporters, to watch the match live.
"Our own supporters being able to watch the match live was very much in our minds in reaching agreement.
"When streaming arrangements are complete, Wrexham will provide us with a link to the live streaming, which we will publish as soon as we have it."
The statement, which also stated Folkestone's players and "essential officials" will travel to Wrexham by team coach on the day, concluded: "We would like to thank Wrexham FC for their friendly cooperation in reaching this agreement, and look forward to enjoying a great day."
Invicta have beaten Hendon (2-1), Faversham (2-1), Hartley Wintney (2-0) and Uxbridge (2-0) to reach this stage of the competition.
The club have already enjoyed an impressive FA Cup run this season. They reached the fourth qualifying round stage before they lost a replay 3-2 to National League Eastleigh at Cheriton Road, having played out a 3-3 draw at the Silverlake Stadium in Hampshire.
Folkestone had been due to visit Horsham this weekend in the league but the match was called off on Thursday due to a Covid outbreak in the Kent club's camp.
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Thomas Reeves