DORCHESTER Town have seen their BetVictor Southern Premier South fixtures between Saturday, March 14 and 22 inclusive postponed, the Southern League has confirmed.

Leigh Robinson’s Magpies will consequently have to reschedule today’s home encounter with Gosport and next Saturday’s trip to Harrow.

However, the National League announced its games will go ahead as normal, giving the green light for Weymouth’s home clash with Slough Town (3pm) today.

At the time of writing, the Sydenhams Wessex League had made no announcements, with their decision affecting Portland United. Bridport’s season has been paused until Friday, March 27.

Lower leagues were given the final say on whether play continued or was suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic, the FA yesterday announced.

English football’s governing body yesterday unveiled sweeping halts to play in the professional game.

All Premier League, EFL, Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship fixtures are suspended until Friday, April 3 at the earliest.

International matches are also postponed, along with FA Cup and Women’s FA Cup ties.

However, the FA confirmed “autonomous bodies” from the National League down had the deciding call on the completion of their seasons.

In a statement, the FA said: “We are liaising with the National League pyramids (men’s and women’s) and will continue to offer guidance and support.

“Any decision to continue playing or to postpone their respective competitions is a matter for each league as autonomous bodies within the game.”

On the suspension of the professional game, the governing body said: “The decision is being made purely on the number of cases requiring self-isolation and the impact on facilities.

“Given the steps being taken across clubs, there is no alternative but for (yesterday’s) action.

“However, all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season’s domestic fixture programme and are liaising to establish appropriate options to do so.”

It added: “We will continue to monitor all Government advice with the situation under constant review, with the priority being the health and well-being of all.

“Further updates will follow in due course.”

Dorset Premier League games look set to go ahead, while England RFU has given the green light for club rugby fixtures to continue, while adhering to government and Public Heath England advice.