LEAGUE Two leaders Carlisle United won’t play again until heading for Rodney Parade at the end of the month after suffering a coronavirus outbreak.

The Cumbrians suffered a dramatic day on Tuesday when three players tested positive to be ruled out of their fixture at Harrogate, which was then postponed because of a local power shortage.

Now Chris Beech’s men won’t be in action until they travel to promotion rivals Newport on Tuesday, January 26.

Their games at Mansfield Town tomorrow and at home to Leyton Orien on Tuesday and Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, January 23 have been suspended.

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “We can confirm that a number of our football players have returned positive results for Covid-19.

"The cases come from tests conducted earlier this week, before the Harrogate fixture, and also arising on Thursday morning following the latest round of testing, ahead of the next game.

"All players who have tested positive and others affected from close contact are now in a period of isolation in line with EFL and Government requirements.

"The position has deteriorated quickly this week and, after consulting with the EFL medical team this morning, it was decided that, following this outbreak, the way forward is to cease all football activities immediately.

"The club’s football training activities will now close, and will only reopen when it is safe to resume. The safety of our players and staff is paramount, as well as their families and other participants in our upcoming games.

"The club would like to wish all our players who have returned a positive test a safe and speedy recovery."

Four teams - County, Cambridge, Forest Green and Salford – could take Carlisle’s top spot this weekend.