STEETON and Silsden have both pulled out of Brighouse Town's post-season tournament, the Yorkshire Trophy.

It was due to commence next week, but only if fans were allowed in.

FA and DCMS guidelines do not allow for this, and though Brighouse have re-arranged the tournament for when supporters can return from May 17, the likes of Steeton, Silsden and Thackley have decided to withdraw.

Explaining their decision, Steeton said: "Following on from the Prime Minister’s address on Monday, as well as the latest guidelines from the DCMS and the FA, we have decided to withdraw from the Yorkshire Trophy.

"While we are keen to return to playing football as soon as possible, we have to take on board advice and guidance from the government, the DCMS, and the FA.

"As a club, we have said our participation in the tournament would be dependent on the return of fans and the ability for us to raise much-needed revenue.

"Ultimately, the guidance, coupled with the fact that every other team in our side of the draw had already decided to withdraw, we felt that the proposed amendments to the competition made it an unviable proposition for the club.

"We look forward to welcoming fans back to Marley Stadium in July when our pre-season fixtures will commence.

"The North West Counties League has also confirmed a provisional start date for the 2021/22 season as Saturday, July 31.

"Our thanks go to Vill Powell, Brighouse Town, and the other 10 clubs for their efforts in getting a tournament organised."

Silsden's statement reads: "Following on from the Prime Minister’s address on Monday as well as the latest guidelines from the DCMS and the FA, we have withdrawn from the Yorkshire Trophy.

"While we are keen to return to playing football as soon as possible, we have to take on board advice and guidance from the government, the DCMS and the FA.

"We have always said our participation would be dependent on the return of fans and the ability to provide sales of food and drink.

"We would like to thank Vill Powell, Brighouse Town and the other 10 clubs for their efforts in getting a tournament organised.

"Ultimately the guidance, coupled with our plans for pitch maintenance work and the possibility of the Yorkshire Trophy running into pre-season, has left us with no alternative but to withdraw.

"We look forward to welcoming fans back to the Cobbydale Construction Stadium in the near future."