DORCHESTER Town, Portland United, Bridport and other 'non-elite' clubs cannot play games or train during the third national lockdown, the FA has advised.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday night announced another shutdown to halt the spread of Covid-19.

While 'elite' sport is allowed to continue, 'non-elite' teams have been dealt a blow.

Many 'non-elite' clubs are struggling to survive with a lack of revenue generated during the pandemic.

Fixtures involving all of Dorset's football teams, excluding Weymouth and Bournemouth, were already hit with the Southern, Wessex, Western, Dorset Premier and Dorset Football Leagues all paused.

The development raises questions over whether the above leagues' seasons will be completed.

Suspension of footballing activity applies to Steps 3 to 7, including grassroots, tiers three to seven in the Women's Football Pyramid, regional NLS feeder leagues, Women's Super League Academy League (unless elite), FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs (unless elite), indoor youth and adult football plus the Women's FA Cup.

In a statement, the FA said: "We note the UK Government’s announcement on Monday 4 January with regards to the new national Covid-19 restrictions and lockdown.

"It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers and facility providers adhere to the Government’s new national Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and we implore everyone to follow these. 

"Dialogue will continue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, leagues, competitions and County Football Associations and we will provide further updates for the 2020-21 Vitality Women’s FA Cup, Buildbase FA Vase and ‘non-elite’ football when relevant.

"We would like to thank the football community once again for its hard work, resilience and understanding during such an incredibly challenging period for both the game and wider society."

No official date for an end to lockdown has been set.