Chester's season has been put on hold after league officials confirmed that all fixtures are now suspended because of the worsening coronavirus crisis.

The National League bucked the trend at the weekend, allowing matches to go ahead despite all Premier League and EFL games being called off.

But following a meeting by board members on Monday (March 16) afternoon, the National League have now followed suit and postponed all games until at least April 3.

A league statement read: “At its Board Meeting on Friday, The National League decided to use its best endeavours to keep its season going in the face of unprecedented adversity

“However, with the current coronavirus (COVID-19) reaching global pandemic levels it has to accept that the situation is now out of its own control.

“In the knowledge of the government measures now announced including not to support sporting events with emergency services workers it is clearly not practical for its fixtures to be fulfilled in the immediate future.

“In those circumstances and in line with The Football Association and the Professional Game, at a Board Meeting today, The National League has decided that its competition is now suspended until at least 3rd April 2020.

“The National League will continue to monitor the situation, but trusts that its loyal clubs, fans, players, officials, staff, volunteers and sponsors will accept that it has had no other choice but to reach this decision.

“It wishes everybody connected with the competition and indeed the whole country a safe passage through these turbulent times.”