Barkingside manager Steven Le Sage has admitted the stop-start season is definitely affecting clubs' fortunes when they do get to fulfill fixtures because the lack of training is causing injuries.

Side are just one of many clubs that have been forced to stop playing on multiple occasions this season and even last term.

They now face another lay-off from action due to London being placed in tier 4 which states no sport can be played unless it’s elite level.

This follows a month off from action in November due to the lockdown before returning to play briefly before stopping once again.

“It’s been very tough,” Le Sage admitted. “We’re going through cycles where we have long gaps away from playing and training and then going into periods where we have an intense schedule.

“We’ve had several occasions where we’ve had two games in three days far too soon after a lockdown. On each of these occasions, we’ve seen players experience muscular injuries.

“It’s not just us, we’re all in a very similar position but it’s definitely affecting teams’ results and also people’s mental health, which is worrying.

"The last 12 months has been a period of constant surprises. We’ve had to constantly adapt and try to stay positive about the situation, which has been really tough."

The boss also revealed it’s about even more than just the fortunes on the pitch.

“We’ve not played since the start of November and we’ve only been able to train once due to isolation requirements and taking precautions to enable people to try to make the most out of Christmas.

“It feels like the off season, just without the opportunity to take a holiday. Off the pitch we’ve been trying to support the club and the community. I think we’ve done well in this department.

“We’ve recently partnered with The 12th Man Campaign, which helps men talk more openly about mental health.

“This has been a massive help and we’re planning some really innovative and exciting things with the campaign organisers that will make a massive difference to people in the London and Essex area.”