Senior Cup shock as Shaw Lane pull-out of Bramall Lane final on eve of game

There are no plans to stage the final on a later date nor has a decision been taken as yet to whether Frickley Athletic will be awarded the trophy on the grounds of a walkover.

The County FA’s Marketing and Communications Officer Richard Finney would only say: “We are very disappointed that Shaw Lane Aquaforce have chosen to withdraw at such late notice.”

It is understood the matter will be discussed at an FA Board meeting, possibly next week. It’s believed to be the first time that a team have withdrawn from the final.

There are almost certain to be repercussions such as a heavy fine and or the possibility of a suspension from entering the competition in future seasons. Shaw Lane Aquaforce had hoped the date could havebeen changed with the Evo-Stik Division One South side facing a play-off semi final against Lincoln United tomorrow.

Shaw Lane chairman Craig Wood was unhappy that the club were being forced to play the final just 24 hours before what he described as the biggest game in the club’s history against Lincoln and had stated over the weekend that, “no-one was willing to budge on the issue.” He felt his club were victims of their own success.

Mr Wood said the club will likely be known as Shaw Lane AFC next season and not Barnsley Town FC as originally planned.