Spalding United’s clash with Scunthorpe United in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup is called off

Spalding United have withdrawn from this season's Lincolnshire Senior Cup.

The Tulips had been due to host National League North side Scunthorpe United in a semi-final clash at the Sir Halley Stewart ground on Tuesday night.

However, the club has made the decision to pull out of the competition citing 'difficulties' in raising a squad for the match.

A joint statement from the Lincolnshire FA and Spalding United said: "Lincolnshire FA regrets to announce that Spalding United have withdrawn from the County Senior Cup, meaning Scunthorpe United will now receive a bye in the final.

"The semi-final fixture was scheduled to take place tomorrow evening and the Association had worked closely with both clubs, as we do with all teams in County Cup competitions, to find this suitable date for the tie.

"However, Spalding United have made the decision to withdraw from the competition today (Monday), having felt they were not in a position to fulfil the fixture due to difficulties raising a squad.

"Whilst we are disappointed the fixture will not go ahead, we must accept their decision.

"The draw for the semi-finals was conducted on Thursday, November 21, giving all clubs involved more than three months to arrange their fixtures on a mutually agreeable date.

"Due to fixture congestion, this date was the only available option for both teams.

"Per competition rule 13, section A, all fixtures in the County Senior Cup must be completed by the end of February to ensure a March final. This rule is in place to support clubs and help avoid potential play-off or relegation fixture clashes later in the season.

"While Spalding United had looked to rearrange the fixture for March, this falls outside of the end of February cut-off date to maintain the integrity of the county cup competitions, and to ensure the competition schedule - as agreed by the clubs - runs as planned. This is the same for all teams, irrespective of which cup competition this falls in.

"Lincolnshire FA remains committed to supporting all clubs participating in County Cu competitions and ensuring the smooth and fair running of the competitions.

"We now look forward to the County Senior Cup final where Scunthorpe United will compete for the trophy."

Scunthorpe are the current holders of the trophy having beaten Spalding in the final at Lincoln City last season.

Cleethorpes Town take on Stamford in the other semi-final next week.

Spalding have a home match at the weekend in the Southern League Premier Division Central when they host Halesowen Town.