Hadleigh United have been handed a walkover into the last 16 of the FA Vase.

Hadleigh United have been given a walkover into the last 16 of the FA Vase.

That was the news from the Football Association this afternoon after both of Hadleigh’s potential opponents in the last 32 - scheduled to be played on January 18 - were removed from the competition.

Moneyfields and AFC Bitton were involved in a fracas during their third round clash in Portsmouth last month.

The game was abandoned with the score at 1-1 after fighting broke out and the FA have decided to remove both clubs from this year’s competition.

It means Stuart Crawford’s side will take their place in the last 16.

“I did think that might be the case, both clubs being removed,” said Crawford.

“When I heard the game was abandoned because of fighting, I know the FA are really hard on that sort of thing.

“At the end of the day, we would have happily gone to play any of them and I think the form we are in, we would have won as well.”

Both Moneyfields and AFC Bitton can appeal their removal and must submit this to The FA by 1pm on Friday.

Should they decide not to appeal Hadleigh will also get the £2,000 prize money for ‘winning’ the fourth round tie.