THURROCK'S four non-League clubs that have been without competitive league action since November could find their season is about to end - and it certainly will not start until March if a ball is to be kicked again this season.

All four clubs, East Thurrock United, Aveley, Tilbury and Grays Athletic, play in the Isthmian League, one of the three competitions (known collectively as the Trident Leagues) that run the game at step three and four in the national pyramid system.

East Thurrock play in the Premier Division, and the other three in the Isthmian North - where Tilbury currently top the table, albeit after just eight completed matches.

A statement issued today by the Isthmian League appears to indicate that the leagues nationally are on the brink of calling off this season.

A statement to clubs says: "The Board of the Isthmian Football League has, together with our fellow Trident Leagues (Northern Premier and Southern Leagues), have reviewed the implications of the latest government lockdown. The matter was also discussed at length by The FA's Alliance Committee earlier this week.

"In order to reach a decision that will apply across Steps 3 & 4 in the National League System, and which is informed by the views of all clubs at Steps 3 & 4, you will shortly be asked by the Football Association to provide your club's views on whether the 2020/21 season should be terminated and, if not, what the alternative should be. This will take the form of a short survey.

In the meantime, the Isthmian Football League is postponing all fixtures up to and including Saturday, 6 March since there is no suggestion that the national lockdown will be lifted prior to said date.

"The League will continue to provide its member clubs with updates as and when it is able to do so."

While ending the league will come as a disappointment to Tilbury (who received a huge boost yesterday [Thursday 7 January] with news that they have been granted planning permission for a new ground), Aveley and Grays, who are all in the running for promotion - even at this relatively early stage - East Thurrock will probably welcome the fact that they are set to preserve their status as the borough's leading club as they appeared to be one of the favourites for relegation with just one win from all league and cup matches so far this season.