Aldershot Town have announced that they have withdrawn from this seasons Hampshire Senior Cup following playing a loan player against Farnborough in the last round.
The Hampshire FA county cup rule 11 states that participation of loan players in the competition is not permitted, a rule which differs to that of all FA competitions including the FA Cup, FA Trophy and the Football League cup competition rules too.
The club were charged for fielding a player (Scott Davies) whilst on loan from Crawley Town FC in their third round tie at home to Farnborough.
They acknowledged their error in the matter and also highlighted that other clubs within the competition had also broken this rule during the course of the season, but felt that one of the benefits of being in the Hampshire Senior Cup was the flexibility to utilise loan players for valuable game time.
After consideration and consultation with the Hampshire FA and Football League the club confirmed yesterday, that they have withdrawn from the competition for this season and publically apologised to the Hampshire FA and Farnborough FC, who have also been charged with a similar breach of the competition rules.