Preston North End forced to cancel and forfeit their Lancashire FA Senior Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers

Preston North End's Lancashire FA Senior Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers has been cancelled because the Lilywhites cannot raise a side to meet competition rules.
PNE boss Alex NeilPNE boss Alex Neil
PNE boss Alex Neil

The first round tie was due to be played at Rovers' Brockhall training ground on Tuesday afternoon but PNE have been forced to forfeit it.

There is a requirement on clubs to field six players with a professional contract in their teams but injuries, suspensions and international call-ups have left North End short on numbers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They cannot play suspended pair Ben Pearson or Ryan Ledson in the competition, even though the game does not count towards their respective bans.

Alan Browne is currently having treatment on a calf strain and Lukas Nmecha missed the last game before the international break with an injury.

They joined Sean Maguire, Billy Bodin, Calum Woods and Michael Crowe on the injured list.

Callum Robinson and Graham Burke are away with the Republic of Ireland squad until later in the week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A statement from PNE published on their website said: "It is with disappointment that the game is forfeited in this way, but in these circumstances it could not be helped, despite conversations with the LFA and Blackburn Rovers, who PNE would like to thank for trying to find alternative arrangements."