Cumbria's clubs in the non-league pyramid will see their seasons curtailed for a second successive campaign.

Teams in steps three to six have voted to end the season.

It means Penrith and Carlisle City, who play in the Northern League Division One and Two respectively, will not resume their league campaigns.

Workington Reds’ bid for promotion from Northern Premier Division One North-West will also now come down to a decision on how to settle the standings.

The risk is that a null-and-void decision will consign the west Cumbrians to a third season at that level. Reds and some of their peers have called for a points-per-game calculation based on the last two seasons to determine promotion.

New Covid-19 guidelines published this week set out that sporting events will not have fans in grounds before May - other than in “test” games which will be held higher up the football ladder.

The Football Association said extending the leagues beyond May was deemed not to be a viable option given the number of games still to be played.

In a statement, the game’s governing body said: “Taking into account the survey results and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, which continues to adversely affect incomes for clubs due to restrictions on both spectators and hospitality, The FA’s Alliance and Leagues Committees have reached a consensus that, subject to the approval of FA Council, the 2020-21 league season for Steps 3-6 of the NLS should be curtailed with immediate effect.”