Shepton Mallet AFC have backed the cancellation of their football season and the results being expunged despite it meaning they have missed out on a push for promotion.

The Toolstation Western League Premier Division side were sitting sixth in the table before the coronavirus crisis hit, but will now see this season scrubbed from the record books following the Football Association's decision to call off all the 2019/20 action.

Speaking to Shepton Mallet Nub News, press officer for Shepton Mallet AFC, Kevin O'Brien, said: "Shepton Mallet AFC fully understands the decision recently announced to annul the current Western League season.

"Too many uncertainties regarding the future suggest that it is the right thing to do, and as and when we are able to, our club will undertake our usual pre-season preparation for the 2020/21 season in the hope that this can be up and running by August or soon after then.

"The club thanks all playing staff, sponsors and supporters for their efforts during the curtailed season, and the committee hope to see as many of you as possible when things return to something like normality.

"Good luck to all from now until then from Shepton Mallet AFC."

A statement from the footballing authorities yesterday (March 26) said: "The FA and the leagues at steps three to six of the National League System (NLS) have reached a consensus that the 2019/20 season for steps three to six will be ended with immediate effect and all the results will be expunged.

"This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between steps three to six or relegation from step two.

"In light of the above, these decisions will also apply to the leagues and clubs who play at step seven of the NLS.

"The FA will continue to assist and support the National League (steps one and two of the NLS) to determine the outcome of its 19/20 season as quickly as possible.

"The planned implementation of the restructure of the NLS will be deferred until the start of the 21/22 season.

"The decisions reached by the NLS leagues will be recommended to the FA board and FA Council for final ratification."