Town's third round FA Cup opponents Bury have been removed from the trophy for fielding an ineligible player. Subject to an appeal, the Blues will now face Chester City at the Deva Stadium on Saturday, 6th January.

The Shakers had received only verbal not the required written permission from Hartlepool for loanee Stephen Turnbull to play in the replay, which they won 3-1. The midfielder started the game and played for 80 minutes before being replaced. The FA said at today's hearing that the Shakers also failed to comply with player registration timescales.

Bury made a similar error last season when Sheffield United's Colin Morrison was fielded in a league game after his loan had expired. Then the FA deducted a point and a £5,000 fine was suspended.

The Lancastian club have until Thursday, 28th December to lodge an appeal.

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