SOUTHERN League officials have suspended fixtures until Saturday, January 9 at the earliest.

It comes after a greater number of Southern League teams were placed into Tier 3 today and means Dorchester will not have a competitive fixture until 2021.

In a statement, Southern League board members "considered several factors such as the lack of income from secondary spend revenue, the reduced attendances at Tier 3 clubs and more importantly, the duty of care the league has to players, club officials, volunteers and supporters during this current pandemic."

They added: "The board will continue to monitor the situation in line with the Government review dates and/or any decision that allows government grants to become available to member clubs.

"The board has not yet set a formal restart date but this is unlikely to be before the 9th January 2021 and the clubs will be given at least 10 days’ notice of the recommencement of the 2020/21 season allowing them preparation time to stage League matches."

Elsewhere, the Magpies have cancelled Saturday's friendly with Moneyfields after updated Tier 3 restrictions.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced Portsmouth, in which Moneyfields are based, will from Saturday move into tighter Covid measures.

Fans' travel to and from Tier 3 areas is advised against under current government guidelines.

Dorchester will now train on Saturday ahead of a home friendly with Christchurch on Tuesday, December 22 (7.30pm) to replace the Moneyfields game.

The Magpies had sold tickets for Saturday's match and are expected to confirm refunds for supporters shortly.

Robbie Herrera's men beat Exmouth 8-0 in a friendly on Tuesday but would have been without the injured Harry Hodges (Achilles) and Sam Davidson (ankle).