FOOTBALL fans are being urged to keep an eye on local lockdown restrictions ahead of this weekend’s action, which includes a major event for Warrington Rylands 1906.

Dave McNabb’s team have a plum BBC televised sell-out 300-ticket home tie against former Football League side York City in the FA Cup second qualifying round scheduled at Gorsey Lane on Saturday, while in the league above Warrington Town have a rearranged home date with Whitby Town at Cantilever Park - both 3pm kick offs.

But the Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt lives and bring uncertainty to supporters attending matches at non-league level.

Any further lockdown introductions preventing fans attending games would be a setback to clubs like these, who operate on thin margins and had last season cut short due to coronavirus.

It would be cruel on Rylands, for what is set to be one of the biggest occasions in their history, if supporters end up being shut out.

McNabb’s men are on a great adventure and looking forward to testing themselves against a National League North side managed by former Newcastle, Aston Villa, Everton and West Bromwich Albion right-back Steve Watson, who just happens to have been on the books of agent and Rylands benefactor Paul Stretford during his playing days.

A possible saving grace, for supporters though not the club, is the fact that the BBC cameras are due at Gorsey Lane.

The tie will be shown on BBC iPlayer, Red Button and BBC Sport online.

The Minstermen will be visiting knowing they are in for a hard time.

In the last round there were setbacks aplenty to overcome, including missing a penalty and conceding an injury-time equaliser at Whitby Town – a team ranked two divisions higher than them – but Warrington Rylands still prevailed.

McNabb’s men held their nerve to win the penalty shoot-out 4-3. Clitheroe and 1874 Northwich had already been knocked out.