Altrincham have been hit by an outbreak of Covid-19 and been forced to postpone successive Vanarama National League home games against Solihull Moors and Bromley.

The disruption began on Saturday when it was announced that, as a precaution, manager Phil Parkinson and defender Shaun Densmore would not travel to Eastleigh after both discovered someone in their circle had been infected with the virus.

As a consequence, it was felt prudent to carry out tests on the entire first-team squad at The J.Davidson Stadium on Monday evening, ahead of the following night’s scheduled home fixture with Solihull.

The round of testing produced several positive results, and, after consulting with the National League, it was decided the Solihull game and this Saturday's visit of Bromley should be postponed.

It is hoped the Robins will be given the all-clear to return to action in the Emirates FA Cup on the weekend of Saturday, October 24, and this looks entirely feasible, following guidance from club doctor Rob Jackson.

A 10-day period of isolation has been advised for all positive cases from the date of onset of symptoms, or if asymptomatic from the date of the test.

In addition, the club are recommending self-isolation for the rest of the first-team squad for 14 days from Wednesday, October 7 – ending, therefore, on October 21 – pending further advice from Public Health England.

In Parkinson’s absence, assistant Neil Sorvel took charge of the squad at Eastleigh for the 1-1 draw and was full of praise for a performance that might have yielded Alty’s first win.

"I’m sure, before the game, we would have been more than happy with a point, considering the start to the season they’ve made," he said. "But it could have been all three, given the penalty shouts.

"Any other area of the pitch, they would have been free-kicks, so they should have been penalties.

"We were certainly good value for a point, at least."