Cobblers' fans' hopes of returning to the PTS given boost by EFL test events

Cobblers fans hoping to return to the PTS Academy Stadium next month have been given a boost by the news that supporters can attend two EFL fixtures next week as part of the government's pilot scheme.

The two test events are to be hosted by Cambridge United’s Abbey Stadium, starting with the EFL Trophy fixture against Fulham U21s next Tuesday followed by the club's opening League Two clash of the season against Carlisle United on September 12.

A capacity of 1,000 has been allowed for the Trophy game, with 2,500 tickets to be sold when the U's host Carlisle. Only home supporters will be allowed in.

If those events are deemed a success, it is hoped that fans will be able to return to all grounds by mid-October, albeit at a reduced capacity.

A statement on the EFL website said: "The club has been chosen to host the two test events, having previously been part of a joint project by the EFL and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) that looked at the safe application of social distancing at football grounds.

"That work was overseen by crowd dynamics experts Movement Strategies, who will also assess the pilot at the Abbey Stadium on behalf of the SGSA and DCMS.

"Appropriate measures have been applied at the Abbey Stadium, with both terraces and seating arrangements available.

"As a result of two fixtures taking place at the same venue in a short period of time, it will allow for any learnings to be implemented quickly under the same conditions.

"The insight received from this initial phase of matches taking place will test the application of the Government’s Stage 5 Guidance and the SGSA’s Planning for Social Distancing at Sports Grounds guidance, which was developed following the insight provided by the Movement Strategies modelling work."