Dartford have voted to carry on playing in National League South this season.

The Darts want to finish the campaign as they "feel a duty to our club, commercial partners and our community, as well as for the integrity of the National League, to complete this season".

National League South sides are due to resume action on Saturday. The division - along with National League North - was paused by the league for a fortnight while they tried to secure further financial assistance.

No news has been forthcoming with regards to funding and an online petition has gathered only 7,500 signatures since being launched at the start of this week.

Dartford co-chairman Steve Irving outlined their position on Friday afternoon - and revealed that they were not invited to an "invitation only" meeting of clubs from National League South and North earlier this week.

He said: "There have been zoom meetings held with the league, the Labour Party leadership as well as a ‘by invitation only’ meeting of the clubs in the North and South (to which we were not invited).

"The whole issue being the financial situation as well as the current health concerns. The well documented argument as to whether or not the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has gone back on their promise of grant funding for the second tranche of money for January-March.

"We have to emphasise our gratitude to the DCMS, and various funding organisations for the amazing support received during the pandemic to date.

"In addition, our undying thanks must also go to all our commercial partners, who have stuck by us through such mutually difficult times.

"Final and biggest thanks must go to all our supporters, who are going through this awful period without the outlet of coming to live football.

"To our season ticket holders who have stuck with us and our supporters association who continue their incredible support for their club and community.

"Finally to the decision we have come to with regard to the resolutions before us.

"With everything said above taken in to account, we feel a duty to our club, commercial partners and our community, as well as for the integrity of the National League, to complete this season.

"Therefore we have voted against resolution 1,3 and 4.

"This will of course be done with a close eye on our finances and stringent implementation of our Covid protocols.

"So for the time being, games will continue until such time as the results of the vote are known. In the meantime, continue to stay safe and enjoy the live streaming of the games remaining, beginning tomorrow with our home game against Welling."

National League clubs look certain to vote to continue but the decision in National League South and North is far from clear-cut.

Dartford are top of the table with 33 points from 17 games and host bottom side Welling at Princes Park behind closed doors on Saturday.

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