Three Preston North End matches postponed by coronavirus pandemic as season suspended until April 3

The FA, Premier League, EFL and Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 3 April at the earliest.

That decision was taken on Friday morning, the football authorities having initially said on Thursday that the weekend games would go ahead.

From Preston North End's points of view, it means the postponement of three matches - Saturday's visit to Luton Town, the home game against Cardiff City on Wednesday night and next Saturday's Deepdale clash with Derby County.

The visit of Derby was to be North End's 5,000th league game - as things stand, that will now be the Nottingham Forest game on Easter Monday.

A statement from the EFL read: "The FA, Premier League, EFL and Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 3 April at the earliest.

"This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken due to the increasing numbers of Clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the COVID-19 virus.

"The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures.

"In addition, Clubs are being advised to suspend indefinitely all non-essential activities which include, but are not limited to, player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings.

"Whilst the EFL Board has continued to take the advice and guidance offered by the Government and its health advisors, emerging developments mean now is the time to implement football’s contingency plans in response to the crisis.

"A further update on these plans will be given post an EFL Board Meeting next week.

This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government’s national efforts in tackling this outbreak."