The players of Connah’s Quay celebrate after winning the Cymru Premier title in Penybont in May 2021
The Cymru Premier resume after an enforced hiatus, with a club official describing it as an “extremely difficult” period.
The Welsh Government introduced restrictions in December to combat the spread of Covid-19, with spectators not allowed at elite sporting events.
The Cymru Premier was suspended as a resykt before Christmas.
“It was extremely difficult, not just football-wise,” said Penybont general manager Wayne Anderson.
“It’s a community-based club and the revenue we generate from hospitality goes back to the football team.
“The better the football team plays, the more spectators come in, the more hospitality we have and that creates more money.”
After that, the league resumes the lifting of viewing restrictions at sporting events in Wales.
The loss of festive events on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day has impacted clubs, according to Cymru Premier General Manager Gwyn Derfel.
“Financially it was a big blow,” Derfel told ` Radio Wales.
“Gates would have more than doubled in most cases over that period.
“There were some Welsh Government grants, but they were for matches that were played behind closed doors.
“Until now we have not received any guidance on whether our clubs will be compensated for the additional losses they have suffered over the festive season.”
Action continues on Friday night when leaders The New Saints host champions Connah’s Quay Nomads, Penybont take on Aberystwyth Town and Cefn Druids host Caernarfon Town at The Rock.
The league manager said he had no concerns about being behind in the game despite the enforced break.
“We listened to the third wave forecasts, so we put a safety net in place in January,” Derfel added.
“It won’t have a negative impact on the game plan because we’ll finish at the same time.
“But losing games during the holiday season, where it’s a great opportunity to attract more fans, has had a huge financial impact on our member clubs.”
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