Maidstone United have progressed into the next round of the FA Trophy with their Third Round opponents Frome Town removed from the competition.

Pitching In Southern Football League Division One South club Frome Town have been removed from the Buildbase FA Trophy by the Football Association.

Frome asked to postpone their tie due to be played on Wednesday night at Vanarama National League South side Maidstone United due to concerns over the safety of their players, staff and officials due to Kent being placed in Tier 4.

Rule 11 of the Trophy competition rules state that any postponed match in the Third Round must be played within the five-day postponement window (on or before 24th December) and there will be no flexibility for a postponed match to be rescheduled beyond this date.

The FA`s statement continues: “As communicated to Frome Town on Monday it was confirmed that DCMS are content that all Buildbase FA Trophy Third Round fixtures can continue to be played, as scheduled, under the FA Trophy Protocol, which is in line with the latest DCMS guidance for elite sport.

“As Frome have now confirmed to the FA that they will not be fulfilling the fixture on Wednesday evening, Frome are deemed to have forfeited the match and the opponents (Maidstone United) will progress to the next round.”

Frome replied that they had not chosen to forfeit the match. They have been removed for asking for a postponement due to the now UK wide safety concerns.

The club disagrees with the FA’s decision to remove them at this point and will continue to ask for further discussions.