Bamber Bridge, who defeated Heys in last month’s semi-final 9-0, have been expelled from the competition after being found guilty by the Lancashire FA of fielding an ineligible player.

The player concerned, it has transpired, played for another club in a previous round.

In a statement on their club website, the Bamber Bridge Secretary said:

"It has been confirmed that Bamber Bridge FC have been removed from the 2019/20 LFA Challenge Trophy and fined the maximum amount possible of £100.

The day after the semi-final, a report was received by the Lancashire FA that the Bamber Bridge FC team who won the semi-final against Prestwich Heys included a player who had previously played for another club earlier in the competition, which is in contravention of the rules.

Prior to the fixture, I as the club's administrative officer made extensive efforts to check the player in question's eligibility to play in the competition, and nothing was found to conclude that he was not eligible to play in the game.

A formal response to the charge was lodged with the Lancashire FA, providing evidence, however the charge was upheld, and we were notified of the decision yesterday.

At the time the charge was lodged with the club I immediately offered my resignation to the Chairman and Management staff, but this was refused.

I would like to sincerely apologise to all the playing staff at the club, the committee and most importantly the supporters who I feel my failure has cost you a day out at a final that we had deserved with the performance on the night.

Following the decision, Prestwich Heys have been reinstated in the competition and when/if the final is played, I would just like to wish them well as they were not in any way involved with this issue.”

Heys Chairman Neil Gilmore confirmed the decision, saying “Prestwich Heys have been reinstated into the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy. This has come about it appears as a result of a clerical error. Bamber Bridge, having soundly thrashed us in the semi, must be gutted. We wish them well and Good luck for the new season.”

In the other semi-final Lancaster City defeated Atherton Collieries 1-0. The Lancashire FA, in the current circumstances, have not yet confirmed when or if the Final will take place.