An National League North club have been forced to withdraw from this season’s FA Cup, following a club statement issued on Monday afternoon.
This week will see the Third Qualifying Round take place, however just 39 of the 40 ties are to go ahead, with one team exiting and the other advancing through to the next round.
Numerous members of the Boston United staff and squad have picked up coronavirus and therefore cannot compete in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round, meaning opponents Hemel Hempstead Town will advance through.
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CLUB STATEMENT:
The Northolme on Tuesday evening – but their task was made impossible following a positive Covid-19 test and the subsequent isolation of the first team staff and players.
All avenues to keep the Pilgrims’ name alive in this season’s FA Cup were explored – but regrettably a satisfactory solution could not be found and the Tudors will now progress to Thursday’s fourth qualifying round draw.
Reflecting on the bitter blow of withdrawing from the FA Cup, off the back of last season’s lucrative run to a televised second round replay against Rochdale, United chairman David Newton said: “We believe that we have assembled a very competitive squad this season and were hoping for another good FA Cup run – and to try to create some more memorable moments for the fans and everyone associated with the club, which would give everyone a lift at the moment.
“Sadly the situation that has developed over the past few days with the first team has left us with no alternative but to very reluctantly withdraw from the competition.
“We explored the possibility of playing the youth team, bringing in new players and using the loan market, but all avenues that we explored had their own individual problems and, of course, we always had an eye on the integrity of the competition.
“We will continue to concentrate on looking after the squad and staff and then prepare for a return to action in the league at the earliest opportunity. We of course wish Hemel Hempstead well in the next round.”
Saturday’s National League North fixture at Bradford Park Avenue had already been postponed due to Covid-19 issues within the home camp – meaning United’s next scheduled fixture is at home to AFC Telford United on Saturday October 24, although that fixture will be postponed if the Bucks are successful in the FA Cup at Leiston on Tuesday night.
All fixture re-arrangements will be announced as soon as possible.
— STATEMENT ENDS —
So far since this seasons competition started 10 teams have had to withdraw from the FA Cup for the campaign due to Covid-19
Third qualifying round winners will receive £5,625 while the losers will pick up £1,875. Matches will take place on the midweek of Tuesday 13th October 2020.
- Southport vs South Shields
- Longridge Town vs Skelmersdale United
- Chester vs Spennymoor Town
- Marske United vs Blyth Spartans
- Farsley Celtic vs AFC Fylde
- Darlington vs Tadcaster Albion
- Marine vs Nantwich Town
- Chorley vs York City
- Guiseley vs Matlock Town
- FC United of Manchester vs Alfreton Town
- St Albans City vs Mickleover
- Braintree Town vs Maldon & Tiptree
- Ilkeston Town vs Alvechurch
- Bishop’s Stortford vs Royston Town
- Stafford Rangers vs Hereford
- Peterborough Sports vs Banbury United
- Leiston vs AFC Telford United
- Brackley Town vs Kettering Town
- Cambridge City vs Halesowen Town
- Oxford City vs Tamworth
- Bury Town vs Nuneaton Borough
- Boston United W/O Hemel Hempstead Town – Hemel progress
- Haringey Borough vs Bracknell Town
- Havant & Waterlooville vs Chatham Town
- Bedfont Sports vs Canvey Island
- Cray Valley (PM) vs Aveley
- Hartley Wintney vs Barking
- Bristol Manor Farm vs Cray Wanderers
- Eastbourne Borough vs Sheppey United
- Hayes & Yeading United vs Chipstead
- Slough Town vs Bath City
- Taunton Town vs Truro City
- Christchurch vs Dulwich Hamlet
- Wimborne Town vs Maidstone United
- Sholing vs Walton Casuals
- Chichester City vs Tonbridge Angels
- Weston super Mare vs Larkhall Athletic
- Hampton & Richmond Borough vs Hornchurch
- Whyteleafe vs Concord Rangers
- Ebbsfleet United vs Chippenham Town
Fans reacted after seeing that the National League North club withdraw from this season’s FA Cup…
Very unfortunate but I suspect Boston won’t be the last club to be affected by the current situation.
— Andrew Styles (@AndrewStyles5) October 12, 2020
Sad news, but much respect for your integrity ?
— Jim❌ (@jimiant69) October 12, 2020
Would the same happen to a @premierleague side? Probably not. That said, I wouldn’t mind betting that the Premier League sides would be happy not to be in the competition.
— Craig Evans (@clubcraigy) October 12, 2020
Very sad news. Unfortunately those clubs with money will get their players tested
— Chris W (@tads99) October 12, 2020
I wonder if a premiership club would show the same integrity
— CB. N.A.S (@craigyb2310) October 12, 2020
What a shame
— Steve ? (@Steve65LUFC) October 12, 2020
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