FA Cup dreams could be dashed before a ball has been kicked

If the start of step three football and below is delayed much beyond the traditional start date of August it’s likely the FA Cup preliminary rounds will be scrapped.

Northern Premier League chairman Mark Harris said: “The point with the FA Cup, like all big boys football, is that broadcasters are involved.

“In the FA Cup it’s a matter of record that the first round proper can’t take place later than the first Saturday in November.

“Unfortunately, unless we start on time, which we all know is unlikely, then clubs who normally participate in the FA Cup might not be able to next season.”

Peterborough Sports and Deeping Rangers are among the local clubs to have enjoyed good FA Cup runs in recent seasons.

Stamford AFC reached the first round proper in 2016 when they lost to Hartlepool United.