Brantham Athletic have taken quick and proactive measures to address issues after two of their games were call doff due to positive Covid tests and another was abandoned following violent confrontation.

Darren Smith, the club's chief executive has opened an investigation into why the Development team's game with Gas Recreation Reserves was abandoned and will await the referee's report before commenting.

"What I can say from a club view is that it is disappointing to see any match abandoned but especially when it is for non-footballing reasons," Mr Smith told Nub News.

"As a club we are supportive of our players, management and supporters and in my time as CEO I have never had cause to ban or fine anyone for actions unbecoming and disrespectful to the club officials or opponents.

"This match was our second match against a Gas Rec team, their 1st team recently played our reserves under lights, the players and management of Gas Rec were their usual competitive and combative but our young reserve side stood toe to toe with them and came out on top."

It is alleged a Gas Rec player left the field of play and confronted Brantham Athletic supporter as Imps player Kyle Rolin was stretchered off the pitch with ankle injury.

Ironically, the game was only being played at the Leisure Centre ground as the first team's home match against Long Melford had been postponed after an Imps player, and two match day committee members, had tested positive for Covid 19.

The clubhouse has since undergone a complete deep clean and even more stringent procedures introduced, including everyone having their temperature taken before entry, the NHS App QR Code Track & Trace in place for all attendees to comply with and protocols in the bar.

Mr Smith said: "We know that potentially this will not be the first time we have to do this but the club is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of its users."

As a result of the positive test, it was also decided to call off the Brantham Reserves' away match at Dedham Old Boys as a precaution, but the club is now facing sanctions from the Essex and Suffolk Border League (ESBL).

Mr Smith said: "In regards to the COVID issue at the club we have had one first team player test positive prior to the Tuesday night fixture last week and he is in isolation then during the week we have had two committee members test positive too.

"As they have both been at the club for the last two first team games it was felt that the only correct course of action would be to postpone the match for the safety of all concerned.

"We are hoping that come next weekend we will be in a position to play again but are monitoring it daily. We cancelled our reserve game as well due to the amount of players and management that crossover between the first team and reserves, we have received a notification from the Essex & Suffolk Border League that we will be charged for such an action but that we will be able to appeal any charge."

The ESBL is awaiting communications from the match officials and the Essex County FA, before taking any further action.