IT has been a National League North season like no other. The sentiment is hackneyed - but only so because it is true.

The season started two months later than usual and was interrupted by all manner of events that would have seemed unthinkable not 18 months ago. Club opinions of the National League governing body must be nearing an all-time low.

Now, sides have voted, and the season at Step 2 has been ended with immediate effect.

How did we get here?

The Press takes a look back over a bizarre year, starting in 2020.

The scale of the pandemic emerges and the 2019/20 season comes under discussion

March 7 – Two Sean Newton free kicks help York City to a 3-1 National League North win at Alfreton Town. It is their last fixture until July.

March 13 – York City’s National League North weekend fixture at home to Altrincham is postponed with people at both sides showing coronavirus symptoms.

March 16 – All three divisions of the National League are suspended until at least April 3 following a board meeting in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

March 17 – York City’s North Riding County FA Senior Cup semi-final against Thornaby is postponed as grassroots football (matches and training) is hit by the response to the coronavirus.

March 18 – York City shut their doors “until further notice”. Bootham Crescent undergoes a deep clean.

March 25 – The National League asks the Football Association to help end its season “as soon as possible”.

March 26 – National League North leaders York “make a strong case” about how the 2019/20 season should be completed “in light of York City FC's position in the league”.

March 31 – The National League North season is suspended indefinitely.

April 2 – York City players and staff are put on furlough.

April 14 – The National League asks clubs to vote to cancel the remainder of the season.

April 22 – The rest of the 2019/20 National League North season is cancelled with a majority of respondents in favour. York reiterate stance on ensuring promotions are honoured.

Part 2: The battle for the play-offs