COWDENBEATH and the area's non-league clubs will remain out of action until March at the earliest after the Scottish Football Association provided their latest update on the suspension of football.

This afternoon, the governing body have said that they "cannot currently commit to return dates for those affected leagues in the coming weeks" due to current Coronavirus restrictions that are in place.

On Januay 11, the SFA announced that all football beneath the SPFL Championship would be put on hold for at least three weeks, which was then extended to midnight on February 14.

An announcement was anticipated to be made tomorrow, but the SFA have now confirmed that Lowland League leaders, Kelty Hearts; East of Scotland League, Premier Division sides, Crossgates Primrose, Dundonald Bluebell and Hill of Beath Hawthorn; and First Division clubs, Lochgelly Albert and Lochore Welfare,  will continue to be inactive.

The suspension also affects the Scottish Cup, but there are no indications as to when the tournament will resume.

In a statement, the SFA said: "In recent weeks, the Scottish FA has engaged extensively with clubs and leagues affected by the suspension of professional football across the men’s and women’s game to discuss tailored return to playing plans for implementation when it is considered safe and appropriate to resume.

"We have also remained in regular dialogue with Scottish Government to ensure their input into and ultimately approval of those proposed plans.

"Regrettably, the government has today confirmed that - in cognisance of the current restrictions in place across the country - they cannot currently commit to return dates for those affected leagues in the coming weeks.

"We will continue to speak with all parties in the meantime and will provide a further update by 1 March."

They added: "This date should not be seen as a proposed restart date, however it should help provide some clarity to affected clubs to aid their planning over the short term.

"Whilst this is disappointing news, Scottish football will continue to play its part in assisting the Scottish Government’s efforts to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 across the country."