ENGLISH football moved a step closer to a return to normality as the game began to welcome back crowds on Wednesday night.

Only six clubs in the English Football League were in a position to admit fans, and none could allow in more than 2,000, but the joy and relief within the game was obvious.

Supporters spoke of being “over the moon” and finding life’s missing piece as they finally had the chance to watch their teams live again for the first time in nine months due to the pandemic.