All the Best Bits as Fans Return to Grounds Across the Football League

Supporters returned to grounds - many for the first time in nearly nine months - across the EFL on Wednesday evening following the changes to Covid-19 restrictions in the UK.

Bar a small sample of pilot events in August and September, this was the first time fans were permitted to watch professional league football in England since the game was suspended due to coronavirus on 13 March.

The new tiered system in England came into effect on Wednesday, and with six fixtures from across the Football League taking place in tier two regions, up to 2,000 fans were allowed into stadiums to watch the beautiful game in the flesh once more.

So sit back, relax and prepare to get nostalgic about turnstiles, tickets and clapping.

Luton vs Norwich

Luton versus table-topping Norwich was one of two Championship fixtures to be played in front of supporters, with up to 1,000 fans permitted at Kenilworth for the clash.

It was the first time the pair had met in the same division for 13 years.

Wycombe vs Stoke

Wednesday was a particularly emotional one for Wycombe supporters, as a lucky 1,000 were able to see their side live in the second tier of English football for the very first time.

So much has happened to the club since fans were last at Adams Park, with the Chairboys securing a famous promotion via the playoffs at Wembley in July to book their place in the Championship for the first time in their history.

The club paid tribute to supporters on the team sheet, and manager Gareth Ainsworth completed a lap of the pitch before kick off to applaud the Wycombe faithful.

Charlton vs MK Dons

Charlton were one of a selection of clubs to welcome supporters back at the start of the season in the shortly lived pilot events, and they became the first London side to host supporters for their League One clash with MK Dons.

The Addicks could move into the automatic promotion places with a win as they attempt to bounce back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Shrewsbury vs Accrington Stanley

The second League One fixture permitting the return of supporters was Accrington Stanley's visit to struggling Shrewsbury at New Meadow.

A full 2,000 fans were allowed to attend, with face masks mandatory.

Cambridge vs Mansfield

The full 2,000 fans were also permitted at the Abbey Stadium for the League two clash between high flying Cambridge and struggling Mansfield.

Carlisle vs Salford

The early kick off in League Two was the first fixture of the evening to welcome fans back as playoff contenders Carlisle and Salford went toe to toe.

The full 2,000 supporters were permitted at Brunton Park for the fourth tier clash.