Workington Reds' NPL North West Division title bid has been put on hold after the league decided to follow the lead of the country's professional game and suspend all fixtures due to the coronavirus outbreak.

While Reds' league clash with Tadcaster Albion went ahead on Saturday despite English professional football and many other leagues around the world grinding to a halt as a result of Covid-19, they will have to wait to find out when they will return to action after the NPL shut down yesterday.

A league statement said: "The Northern Premier League has today decided, reluctantly, to suspend all fixtures until further notice in light of the escalating Covid-19 outbreak.

"The league would like to congratulate the players, officials, volunteers and fans of clubs able to stage games at the weekend and notes the excellent attendances at those fixtures.

"While the primary responsibility of the league is to the financial sustainability of its member clubs, the number of clubs reporting players or officials in self-isolation has now reached a point at which continuing to play games would severely undermine the integrity of the competition.

"In consultation with the partners Eliteform, all NPL Football Academy fixtures have also been suspended until further notice.

"The NPL is well aware that clubs and fans need clarity around whether the 2019/20 season is to be suspended temporarily or permanently, and the full implications of either eventuality.

"The NPL will be working with the other Alliance Leagues and the Football Association, to assess the various options and to agree a way forward.

"As soon as we are able to, we will share that information with member clubs and their supporters."

In a club statement released shortly after the announcement, Reds said they "fully support" the league's decision to suspend the games.

The statement said: "Workington Football Club fully supports the Northern Premier League’s difficult decision to suspend all fixtures until further notice, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

"The board will convene in the next 48 hours to discuss the implications affecting the club directly.

"There will be numerous issues to debate moving forward but we are aware it will take time for the FA and the Alliance leagues, including the NPL, to assess all options and agree any headway.

"Further updates on the situation will be shared with our supporters just as soon as we are able to do so.

"Clearly the club will now face difficult challenges ahead but the safety of players, staff and supporters is paramount."