CHESTER are expected to make a decision on their National League North play-off involvement today.

Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s Blues will hold a board meeting to ratify the club’s position regarding the end of season lottery.

Boston United have undergone testing, joining York City, Brackley Town, Gateshead and Altrincham, who would be Chester’s play-off eliminator opponents, in committing to next month’s fixtures.

Understandably, the fan-owned Blues, who have lost the financial backing of Stuart Murphy, are taking their time to weigh up the pros and cons of taking place in the play-offs.

Chairman Andrew Morris told the Non-League Paper: “We had a good deal lined up for testing, the company aren’t able to do it now and other providers may be more expensive.

“We are working with the intention that we will be in the play-offs so we aren’t behind the curve, but if it’s not financially viable, so be it.”

There has been no news regarding the Football Association ratifying the National League’s decision to end the season using a point-per-game, the play-offs unable to take place until the FA Council vote to support the resolution.

But teams are planning for a return to action, Altrincham issuing a positive update on their website.

Robins co-chairman Bill Waterson wrote: “The Altrincham FC playing squad and management team faced what could be described as their most searching examination of the season so far on Thursday evening - Covid-19 testing.

And, this morning, we were delighted to hear that every single person tested was given a pass and declared free of the virus.

The clean bill of health came as a huge relief to everyone at the club and opened the way for an immediate resumption of training, in the build-up to our first play-off game, tentatively scheduled by the National League for the weekend of July 18/19.

Altrincham playmaker Elliott Durrell tweeted: “Felt so good to be back baby @altrinchamfc.”

Kevin Wilkin’s Brackley were back in training over the weekend, the Saints revealing that only players who were eligible on March 16 can take place in the play-offs with an extra substitution from a large bench and water breaks also scheduled.