Shepton Mallet AFC plan to welcome fans back to watch their matches following a change in government guidelines.

Shepton are hoping to be able to allow fans into the West Shepton ground from this weekend, with their friendly match against Frome Town.

The club says the latest guidance gives them permission to allow 15 per cent of ground capacity in for matches between August 22 and 29, then 30 per cent from early September until advised further.

Club spokesperson Kevin O'Brien told Shepton Mallet Nub News: "That would suggest we limit spectator numbers against Frome to a maximum of 150 fans.

"The biggest problem could be numbers in our clubhouse after the game as there is currently a maximum of 30 people allowed.

"Our Covid team will be meeting to discuss this tomorrow evening (August 20) but our last two pre-season friendlies should give us time to iron out any problems that arise and be ready to welcome up to 300 people from September 1 unless guidelines change again.

"We will be praying for fine weather on all match days. Like all other clubs at our semi-professional level, once the season starts we are into paying players and match officials, and rely on bar revenue as a key income source."

The club is hoping they will be able to allow 300 people in from September 1, as they have a home FA Cup tie on that day against Torrington, and then another home tie on September 12 if they win that game.

In the FA Vase, they have a home fixture against Bishop Sutton on September 19. The league is currently scheduled to start on September 5.