Fans could return for Cobblers' game at Shrewsbury as government give green light to pilot events

Supporters could return to a Northampton Town fixture for the first time since March this weekend after Shrewsbury Town submitted an application to host a reduced capacity for Saturday's League One encounter.

EFL clubs were asked to put in requests by Tuesday in order for their plans to be signed off in time, with culture secretary Oliver Dowden set to meet sports bodies later this week to discuss the planned return of spectators from October 1.

The EFL said the pilots are an 'important step' for fans' safe return, although those in local lockdown areas were told they would not receive permission to take part in the test events.

Shrewsbury, who host the Cobblers on Saturday, confirmed they have submitted an application to stage one of the pilot events.

A club statement read: "Shrewsbury Town have been informed today around 11.30am that EFL clubs are able to apply to stage a limited number of pilot events with a maximum capacity of 1,000 supporters at league matches played this weekend (September 19/20) subject to application and selection.

"Shrewsbury Town can confirm that despite the very limited notice an application has been lodged to the EFL to request to be considered for a pilot fixture ahead of Town's first home Sky Bet League One fixture with Northampton Town.

"With 24 acres of COVID-Safe space, Shrewsbury Town is hopeful that with protocols in place, in accordance with EFL guidance, we can be selected for a pilot to deliver safe and socially distant football to a small number of fans at Montgomery Waters Meadow.

"Further information will be provided in due course once we know whether our application has been accepted which we hope will be a very quick decision with such an already limited time frame."