SOUTHERN League clubs at Steps 3 and 4 will meet tonight to discuss the fate of the division, which could affect Dorchester Town’s return to action.

Dorchester are scheduled to restart their league season on Saturday, December 12 at home to Hendon (3pm).

The revised tier system has placed doubt on whether the campaign can continue under the current Covid-19 restrictions.

Some 16 Southern League clubs lie within Tier Three, meaning no fans can attend.

Another 65 teams are located in Tier Two where constraints on clubhouse use and alcohol sales are among the primary concerns.

Only Truro City are based in a Tier One area while several leagues, including the Western League in which Bridport compete, have delayed their restart until December 18.

The Government will review tiers every two weeks, beginning on Wednesday, December 16.

The Southern League said: “The Board of the Southern Football League has held several meetings over the weekend with the Football Association regarding last week’s government announcement regarding Covid-19 restrictions.

“Within the Southern League, there are 16 clubs currently in Tier 3, 65 in Tier 2 and one in Tier 1.

“Following those meetings, the league has asked all clubs to attend an emergency Zoom meeting (tonight) to discuss the possibilities of restarting the competition.

“The league will update supporters as soon as it can following the meeting with the proposed way forward.

“The Southern League thanks clubs and supporters for their patience during this period and urges everyone to stay safe by following the current guidelines.”

Dorchester, under new permanent boss Robbie Herrera, are due visit Swindon Supermarine in the FA Trophy first round on Saturday (3pm).

The Magpies beat Gosport 2-1 in the last round, Tiago Sa and Olaf Koszela netting.