1874 NORTHWICH’S latest foray into the FA Vase has ended prematurely, and away from the pitch, after they withdrew from this year’s edition on Tuesday.

Morpeth Town progress to the third round as a result.

The two teams had been set to meet in Northumberland on Saturday, only for the tie to be postponed because the hosts’ pitch was waterlogged.

It was rearranged for tonight, kick off 8pm.

However 1874, after their request was turned down for the rearranged encounter to take place this weekend, said only half-a-dozen players could make the 400-mile round trip.

Manager Ian Street and his number two Paul Bowyer, a schoolteacher, could not travel either.

“All of our players have full-time jobs and getting time off, especially at short notice, has proved difficult,” read a statement issued by 1874.

“Our secretary has been in regular contact with the FA and chairman [Paul Stockton] has spoken to an FA official, but they are not prepared to change their mind.

“We sincerely apologise to our supporters for this unfortunate outcome as losing any game without competing on the field is not what it’s all about.”

Street and his players made an initial journey to the north east on Friday afternoon.

They stayed overnight, and were told early the next day that the second-round clash would not go ahead after a local match official inspected the pitch.

FA Vase rules say a postponed game, at this stage of the competition, must be played on or before the following Thursday.

However the governing body reserves the right to fix a later date if, in its words, ‘exceptional circumstances’ apply.

1874 submitted an appeal on Saturday evening to protest as much, but received a reply from the FA on Monday lunchtime insisting they fulfil Wednesday’s fixture.

Less than 24 hours later, they admitted they couldn’t.

1874’s statement continued: “On Saturday, Morpeth’s secretary agreed to put our proposal to their committee for the rescheduled game to take place seven days later.

“We were later advised they had made a democratic decision not to agree. That came as a big disappointment.”

Had last weekend’s game gone ahead, and ended level after extra time, then a replay would have taken place in Winsford last night.

That much was agreed by the clubs shortly after the draw was made three weeks ago, in accordance with competition rules that insist opposing teams have seven days to nominate a date.

The FA, in correspondence seen by the Guardian, has told 1874 that counted against them.

The club contested that interpretation, saying they had – from the moment they learned their appeal had failed on Monday – only 48 hours to assemble a team.

In contrast, they argue Morpeth knew more than a fortnight in advance when a replay would be if the first meeting ended in a draw.

The Highway Men, currently setting the pace in the Northern League’s top flight, have made no comment.

They will visit South Shields, leaders at the level below, in the third round next month.

As for 1874, they must now wait to discover if they face further sanction.

A fine is likely, while expulsion from next season’s edition is a possibility.

They reached the last 64 of last season’s edition, before bowing out against eventual runners-up – and North West Counties League rivals – Glossop North End.

This time around, they saw off lower-ranked Rochdale Town last month to reach the second stage.