A leading peninsula football club boss has welcomed the government's decision to allow crowds back into games in time for the new season.

Darren Smith, Brantham Athletic's chief executive, is delighted that fans will be able to support the Imps and cheer goals once more after sports minister Nigel Huddleston made a distinction between clubs playing at elite level and those from below Level Seven.

New protocols were introduced last night allowing non-league clubs below National League level to open their gates for the first time since March 23, with the new date set for September 1.

The moves follows a petition signed by more than 10,000 football supporters and later signed by more than 30 MPs calling for fans to be allowed back into smaller grounds.

All clubs and spectators will need to adhere to guidelines, which include groups of no more than six standing, or seating together, and agreeing to the clubs' individual track and trace registration.

Brantham Athletic, who play at the village's Leisure Centre, already have Covid-19 precautions in place and could open their ground to supporters on Tuesday, September 1 against Benfleet FC in the qualifying round of the FA Cup, with their Thurlow Nunn Premier Division games due to start from September 5.

"With the recent Government announcement that spectators will be allowed back at lower level games, we at Brantham Athletic FC will be delighted to welcome back our fans to the Leisure Centre," said Mr Smith.

"We have worked hard over the course of the extended pre-season around the ground to make it a more enjoyable experience and we hope the fans will appreciate that.

"It has been a hard long summer financially for all clubs at grass roots football since lock down at the 23rd March 2020 and then the annulment of the league. We at Brantham Athletic appreciate all the efforts that Suffolk FA, National FA, Football Foundation and Local Authorities have done to financially assist us during this period when we have had zero income but still expenditure to cover. We also thank all our club volunteers and sponsors who have stepped up when called upon to support our club and get prepare the Leisure Centre for this coming day.

"In regards to the Government guidance, we will increase our already extensive COVID-19 rules and regulations that are in place to ensure that our fans are kept safe and well. There will be social distancing in the stands with alternate seats being closed off and around the pitch spectators unless from one household will be asked to social distance by clear markings on the ground to show suitable distance.

"Entrance to the Leisure centre is already controlled by a one-way in and out system, this will be extended to the football pitch to ensure no cross contamination of fans.

"Whilst we are looking forward to the roar of the crowd again, we ask that all our fans and those of the away support maintain social distancing, abide by the rules in place and ultimately use common sense.

"The game needs the fans, the players need the fans at all levels, all clubs financially need the fans and it will be a great day for that first game when a goal is cheered and applauded."

In addition to the cup match Brantham have been drawn away to recent pre season opponents Ipswich Wanderers in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase which is to be played on the 19th September.

Meanwhile, the younger Imps have been drawn against Newmarket Town U18s in the FA Youth Cup which is to be played week commencing September 7.