Bamber Bridge kicked out of LFA Trophy final after fielding Rowan Roache, who had played earlier in the competition for Lancaster

Brig won their last four clash 9-0 but it transpired that a player named in their line-up had played in the competition earlier in the season. .

The player is believed to be is former Blackpool striker Rowan Roache, who spent time on loan earlier in the season at Lancaster City, who ironically Brig were due to face in the final.

Roache – who signed for Brig in December – scored two goals in the rout over Prestwich, but he had played in a first round match for City when they defeated Squires Gate 6-1.

The clerical error is believed to have been made by the secretary. Brig’s club secretary is Keith Maguire

A statement by Brig’s 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.