CHIRK AAA have called upon supporters to return to Holyhead Road for Saturday's Ardal North East League clash with Four Crosses.

The club welcomed today's government decision which will see the number of people who can attend football matches across Wales will rise from 50 to 500 from Saturday and with full capacity crowds being allowed from Friday, 21 January as the country continues its return to Alert Level 0.

A club spokesman said: "It is great news and we just hope we get a few coming along to watch is tomorrow against Four Crosses."

Chirk will unveil three new signings with goalkeeper Josh Jones joining from Rhostyllen while James Rogers has signed from Brymo and Tomos Williams from Corwen.

However Matty Williams and Jake Simms are suspended and strikers Dale Davies and Louie Middlehurst are both unavailable while defenders Jake Ellison and Ryan Williams both return to contention.

Meanwhile Llanrhaeadr manager Marc Griffiths welcomed the news but shared his fears over hastily rearranged fixtures being imposed.

He said: "It's very welcome news for all clubs, football in our village is a community event and playing in empty grounds just isn't what football is about.

"I'm slightly concerned we may now be asked to play league fixtures before the dates in early February on which we were told we would be restarting.

"Obviously seeing that we did not have fixtures players make other plans for weekends which, with a small squad like ours, could be a problem."

Meanwhile an FAW spokesman said: "The Football Association of Wales has welcomed the news communicated by the First Minister that restrictions on spectators at sporting events are to be lifted.

"Ahead of the 2021/22 season, the FAW factored in COVID-19 related disruptions into its planning with some leagues starting their seasons earlier than normal to counteract such an impact.

"In December, the FAW’s National League Board took the decision to suspend the Cymru Leagues, Adran Leagues and Ardal Leagues over the festive period due to the restrictions placed upon spectator numbers as a result of the omicron variant of COVID-19.

"This decision was taken to limit the loss of income for clubs and to provide the best chance for fans not to miss out on supporting their teams.

"Today’s news is therefore pleasing, as fans can now return to supporting domestic football across the country having not missed out on any of the action."