AFC Uckfield will be disappointed if Southern Combination season is wiped out

They last played on December 19 in a 1-0 loss to Steyning Town, leaving them fifth in the Southern Combination premier division.

But with suggestions the Isthmian, Southern and Northern Leagues’ boards believe the season should be declared void and are asking clubs their views, any ending of the season would probably be extended to steps five (AFC Uckfield’s level) and six.

There will be some frustration if the league is declared void, with the Oakmen unable to react to their last result in the loss to Steyning.

Joint manager Steve Ives said: “Obviously losing is poor at any time, particularly when you don’t get the opportunity to respond in the next game.

“Steyning did a good job of killing the game after getting their goal with a great finish, and we ran out of ideas in the last 20 minutes, but it’s all part of the learning curve.”

With Uckfield only playing four matches since the league’s last suspension, in November, it raises serious doubts whether the season will be finished.

The Uckers are aware of the risks of having a second consecutive season curtailed prematurely, with joint manager Graeme Mintrim having doubts about most clubs at this level being able to safely resume matches.

“I do have a nasty feeling that if the lockdown tier situation carries on and gets worse as predicted, the leagues will have no choice but to cancel at our level. It won’t be ideal but we don’t have 30-man squads nor access to regular testing,” said Mintrim.

If the season can resume, a number of Uckfield players are expected to be back available, including Jack Samways after a nasty injury against Steyning.

Ives said: “Sam Carrington and Wayne Clarke have been big misses in the past couple of games. Against Steyning particularly it would have been beneficial to have their experience and physicality on the pitch.

“Losing Jack (Samways) early in that game was a big blow as well, he’s been great for us so far, it was a big relief that his injury wasn’t as bad as first thought.”

Fringe players have had opportunities to impress, with Luca Page and Tyler Pearson among the players to gain minutes. Mintrim praised the quality in the whole squad.

“You want to have every possible player available to give us options – yes it makes decisions tough but that’s because of the quality throughout the squad.”

Uckfield have the joint third best defensive record in the division and Mintrim said: “Our defensive record keeps us in good positions in games. It’s rare we take hard beatings and the games against Peacehaven and Steyning are examples of us staying in the game despite being under the cosh.”

Their ability to stay in contention late on in matches could be in part down to work during November’s lockdown, when the Oakmen ran Zoom training sessions to keep the squad match ready.

Ives said similar plans were in place for this break as well, with an initial goal for the players already set for them to ensure that if the league resumed, the Oakmen could restart strongly.