The Northern Counties East League wishes to send its sympathies and condolences to both clubs following the tragic death of Daniel Wilkinson whilst playing for Shaw Lane at Brighouse Town on Monday night.

Both of these clubs are recent members of the NCEL having won promotion to the Evo-Stik League, Shaw Lane in 2014/15 and Brighouse Town in the previous season, 2013/14.

Our thoughts are with members of both clubs, officials, family and friends following this tragic accident.

For yesterday's matches in the Northern Counties East League, any clubs wishing to observe a minute's silence/applause prior to their game was encouraged to do so.

The Management Board is aware that some clubs had already observed this at their midweek matches last week as a mark of respect.

Arising out of this incident and the recent adoption by the NCEL of its Emergency Action Plan and Players Medical Questionnaires, we have received several enquiries regarding the purchase of defibrillators.

Many of our clubs took up this option a couple of years ago with the FA/British Heart Foundation Scheme.

The League has already contacted the FA to ask if that scheme can be revived and the FA is to hold a meeting with the British Heart Foundation shortly to discuss the matter.

Clubs will be advised of the outcome when we receive further news from The FA.