Covid is continuing to wreak havoc with Stevenage FC's pre-season preparations throughout the club.

With the new season only three weeks away, Boro have been forced to cancel their pre-season fixture against Ipswich Town due to a coronavirus outbreak.

The Broadhall Way outfit has also been forced to shut down all activities relating to the U18s at their academy for a week, following a 'significant outbreak' with further cases reported over the weekend involving scholars and staff.

Speaking about the disruption to preparations, chairman Phil Wallace said: "We face a situation whereby the removal of restrictions in wider society is affecting our preparation for the new season.

:While our players and staff members are training in a Covid secure manner, the increase in transmission outside of the club means there is now an even greater risk they will contract Covid through a friend, family member or when out and about.

:The situation is starting to spiral out of control and is affecting our ability to train, fulfil and stage fixtures."

Following the outbreak the club has stepped up its stringent protocols further and will continue to monitor all players and staff in order to prevent further disruption.

However, the club underlined that at present, the forthcoming home pre-season fixtures against Crystal Palace and Watford are scheduled to take place, bar any further outbreaks at all parties concerned.