Northampton Town fans warned not to watch from the hill as play-off semi-final is held behind closed doors

As Northampton Town start their bid to reach the play-off final in order to gain promotion to League One, there will be thousands of Cobblers fans wishing they could be inside the stadium.

But after the rest of the league campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the play-off games are being played behind closed doors, with all fans absent.

While Keith Curle’s men take on Cheltenham Town in the home leg tonight (June 18), the club and Northamptonshire Police are asking fans to stay at home to watch the fixture.

Specifically, supporters are being asked not to congregate on top of the hill that overlooks the PTS Academy Stadium in Sixfields, in line with current Government guidelines and social distancing measures.

The grass hill, just off Walter Tull Way and directly behind the Sheinman Opticians Stand also known as the North Stand, will be patrolled by police officers from the dedicated football unit during the match.

A spokesman for the club said: “Northampton Town Football Club are requesting supporters do not congregate on top of the hill overlooking the PTS Academy Stadium when Thursday night's behind closed doors play off semi-final with Cheltenham Town is taking place.

"Northamptonshire Police's Dedicated Football Unit will have a presence at the top of the hill, and the club are asking supporters to respect current Government advice around social distancing and to follow the match from home.”

Northamptonshire Police Dedicated Football Officer, PC Chris Brooks-Payne, said: “We have been working with Northampton Town to ensure tonight’s League Two Play-Off fixture can go ahead while keeping everyone safe.

“We know this is an important match for the club and their fans, and we are urging everyone to follow the club’s advice and guidance to watch the match from home on television or listen to the commentary on the radio.”

The club has also reminded fans that they can watch or listen to the Cobblers as they bid to meet either Colchester United or Exeter City at Wembley on a variety of platforms.

Our man James Heneghan will be giving live updates through the game on the Chron website and social media.

The first leg of the semi-final will be live on Sky Sports and can be listened to on BBC Radio Northampton, TalkSport2 and iFollow.

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