Kettering Town handed walkover as Peterborough Sports withdraw from Hillier Cup
Kettering Town have been handed a walkover into the next round of the NFA Hillier Senior Cup after their scheduled opponents Peterborough Sports withdrew from the competition.
The Poppies were due to make the trip to Lincoln Road on Tuesday night, but the home side have forfeited that tie, with Kettering now progressing without kicking a ball.
Sports are managed by former Corby Town boss Graham Drury, and the club statement read: "Peterborough Sports FC can confirm that, after careful consideration, we have taken the difficult decision to forfeit our Hillier Cup fixture due to take place on Tuesday, September 15.
"This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we would like to stress that our decision is in no way a reflection on the Hillier Cup or the competition.
"We have the utmost respect for the competition, everyone involved in organising it, and the clubs who take part.
"We would like to apologise to everyone affected by the decision, particularly our opponents, supporters and all those who have worked behind the scenes to prepare for the fixture.
"We wish everyone involved in the Hillier Cup all the very best for the remainder of the competition. Thank you for your understanding."
Like Kettering, Sports play in the Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central, and secured a second win of the season on Saturday as they beat Rushall Olympic 4-2.
The midweek postponement will be a frustration for Kettering joint-boss David Bridgwater, who had been hoping to give some of his fringe players some game time.
Kettering now have a free week ahead of their FA Cup second qualifying round clash with Quorn at Latimer Park on Saturday (ko 3pm).