A BREAKDOWN in the system has seen St Martin’s omitted from next season’s Hampshire FA Senior Cup.

When the draw was announced on Wednesday, Guernsey Athletics and Bels, having applied to join, were both in the mix.

However, Saints, who also put forward an application, were surprisingly not named.

A statement released yesterday by Advocate Simon Geall (pictured), who is a member of Saints, on behalf of the club, stated that their entry into the cup was confirmed on 22 June and they understand that the Guernsey Football Association sent written permission to allow them to take part to the Hampshire Football Association on 17 June.

The club also said that they were told only on Thursday that their entry had not been accepted and that they were never told, prior to this date, of a Hampshire FA ruling to allow only two Channel Islands clubs to enter the cup.

‘The club has been informed that nothing can be done to resolve this situation now the draw has taken place and we respect the Hampshire FA’s position in this regard,’ said Geall.

‘While we are naturally disappointed at not being able to play in such a prestigious competition, we wish both Belgraves Wanderers and Guernsey Athletics the best of luck in their attempts to lift the trophy and would like to place on record our thanks to the Hampshire FA for considering our entry.

‘The club is now actively looking at viable alternatives for playing football off-island.’