Finalists Workington Reds have been dismissed from the Fred Conway County Cup over a player registration error.
They had been set to face holders Carlisle City in the final but have been formally excluded from this season’s competition.
It follows a breach of competition rules regarding eligible players which has come to light.
Players playing in the semi final must be registered to the club before playing the quarter final and despite the registration form being submitted on February 2, a delay in international clearance for Harry McLinden meant this was not processed until the day after Reds played Unisun Athletic in the quarter final tie.
A Reds statement said: “The club would like to apologise to the county FA and our friends at Kirkoswald FC for this oversight and we wish both competing teams well in the forthcoming final.
“We respect the CFA decision and will not be taking up the option to appeal.
“We would like to reassure supporters that this has no bearing on our NPL results or position.”
