The James Cropper Westmorland Football League, like many of the other leagues across the region, saw the season come to an abrupt end following on from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

And while the Football Association's decision to cancel the lower leagues came as no surprise, there was disappointment for all teams across the three divisions.

The season was largely disrupted by bad weather, with many clubs going weeks without playing a game, while in Division One, Keswick, who were keen to defend their title, had only played ten games and faced a huge backlog of fixtures later on in the season.

Appleby were seemingly unbeatable at the start of the season after they won all nine of their opening league games, while they won the Invitation Trophy after a comeback win against Kendal County at Kendal Town Football Club.

However, a surprise 3-1 defeat to Ibis saw their undefeated run come to an end, while they were only one point off top spot going into the business end of the season.

The surprise team of Division One was proving to be Windermere, who were one point clear at the top and while they suffered narrow defeats to Keswick and Appleby, they were regaining some momentum after they defeated Penrith Reserves 4-3 in their last game.

At the foot of the table Kirkby Stephen were one point adrift while Shap, who made a bad start to the season, occupied the second from bottom position.

Andy Hayton’s Ibis managed to get some good results together as they continued to pull away from trouble, while Endmoor, Sedbergh and Dent United, as well as Wetheriggs United, were sat in mid table.

Penrith Reserves and Kirkoswald had an outside chance of finishing in the top three, while in Division Two Keswick Reserves were denied the league title due to the coronavirus pandemic despite being 11 points clear at the top.

It proved to be a close race for promotion with Kendal United Reserves, Ambleside United, Burneside and Kendal County Reserves all in contention, with one point separating each of the teams.

Eden Thistle will also rue the cancellation of the league season after they were six points clear at the top of Division Three, and it was proving to be a very close race for second spot with Penrith Royal, Kirkoswald Reserves, Wetheriggs United Reserves and Ullswater United all competing for promotion.

It is hoped that The James Cropper Westmorland Football League will return in August.