1874 NORTHWICH will be able to enter next season’s FA Vase despite pulling out of this year’s edition before Christmas.

The Football Association confirmed on Sunday that it will take no further action against the North West Counties League outfit, who failed to fulfil a second-round fixture at Morpeth Town in November.

They said they did not have enough players to make the near 400-mile round trip on a Wednesday night following a postponement the previous weekend.

“We’re pleased – and relieved – at the FA’s decision,” said Brian Edge, vice-chairman at 1874 Northwich.

“And we’ll look forward to competing again in the competition next season – it’s one we want to do well in.

“Lots of people have had a say, and argued they’d have done differently, but we felt the circumstances we found ourselves in left us with no alternative but to withdraw.”

Officials on the FA Vase organising committee met earlier this month to discuss 1874’s case.

A spokesman for the governing body said: “1874 Northwich’s withdrawal was accepted, and there will be no further punishment.”

According to the competition’s rules the FA could have fined the club or, worse, expelled it from next season’s edition.

Meanwhile Morpeth progressed to the semi-finals following a 2-0 win against Bristol Manor Farm on Saturday.

At the same time, 1874 lost 4-2 away to Maine Road in a league fixture.