You could forgive non-league supporters around the country for having a rye smile on their faces when Qatar reversed their ruling on alcohol ahead of the World Cup Finals.
Less than a week ago, one prominent brand declared club football is ‘on pause’ and ‘all eyes are on England’ as the most controversial tournament in history gets under way. This is the same company that pushed the non-league game not so long ago - but have now clearly forgotten or just plain ignored clubs at that level as they prepare to enter a crucial period in their own season.
Supporters of Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and Sunderland saw their clubs bring down the curtain on the first half of a unique season last weekend and will now be found wanting as they look to get their matchday fix over the coming weeks.
