Coronavirus concerns hang over Rotherham sport

THE coronavirus crisis wiped out some, but not all, local sport fixtures at the weekend.
Deserted...the scene at Swallowest FC on Saturday after the postponement of their fixture against North Ferriby.Deserted...the scene at Swallowest FC on Saturday after the postponement of their fixture against North Ferriby.
Deserted...the scene at Swallowest FC on Saturday after the postponement of their fixture against North Ferriby.

AESSEAL New York Stadium stood empty on Saturday afternoon after the three-week suspension of professional football put paid to Rotherham United's League One fixture against Southend.

There are already doubts that matches will be able to recommence on April 4 and 

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EFL clubs will find out this week what contingency plans are being put in place. Declaring the season null and void or resuming when circumstances allow are two options on table.

The Sheffield and Hallamshire FA meet today to decide whether to impose a similar suspension on local football.

Northern Counties East League fixtures were cancelled, meaning a free weekend for Maltby Main, Parkgate and Swallownest, but many Sunday junior and senior matches did take place.

AFP and Monkwood both came through their Sheffield Senior Sunday Cup semi-finals to set up the first ever all-Rotherham final in the competition, coronavirus permitting.

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ALL QUIET...AESSEAL New York Stadium. Pictures by STEVE METTAM

AFP beat Red Lion Bombers from the Sunday Imperial League 2-0 and Monkwood were taken to extra time before emerging 3-1 winners over Wadsley Bridge Pheasant.

In rugby, Rotherham Titans did not have a fixture and are due to return to National One action away to Cinderford on Saturday.

Despite the National League's decision to go ahead with the weekend's fixtures, six games were called off — all of them because of issues relating to coronavirus.

More in Friday's Advertiser — and check out our premium content stories through the week.