Oldham Athletic will have to wait to welcome fans back after it was announced the borough would be placed in tier 3 - the highest Covid alert level - once lockdown ends on December 2.

Tougher restrictions have been imposed on the tier system, so it remains the case that football must be played behind closed doors for areas in tier 3.

Up to 4,000 fans will be allowed into stadiums in tier 1 areas, and up to 2,000 in tier 2.

The regulations will come under review every two weeks, with an end to the tier-system planned for spring, but as things stand the first Latics game that is eligible to be played in front of spectators is the away fixture at Cambridge on December 5, the area having been place into in tier 2.

Cambridge CEO Ian Mather said fans could be at Wednesday night's game with Mansfield, adding: "Our preparation for this moment has been thorough and the experience of hosting the test event against Fulham earlier this year, means we are absolutely ready and excited to be safely opening the doors for fans at the earliest possible opportunity.

"We can confirm now though, the Club will be working to a covid-safe stadium capacity that allows every one of our season ticket holders to attend, as well as a small number of non-season ticket holders. The exact figure is to be confirmed by the local Safety Advisory Group but we hope it to be in region of 2,000."