Hawks reach FA Trophy last 16 as Altrincham forfeit third round tie

Hawks have made it through the FA Trophy last 16 for the first time since 2016 – without even kicking a ball.
Westleigh Park. Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (101020-01)Westleigh Park. Picture: Chris Moorhouse   (101020-01)
Westleigh Park. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (101020-01)

That's after scheduled third round opponents, National League Altrincham, were forced to forfeit their place in the competition following a positive coronavirus case in the camp.

Paul Doswell's side were due to be hosting the league higher Robins at Westleigh Park on Saturday but they have now been eliminated from the FA Trophy.

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An Altrincham player, who was involved in the club’s draw at Sutton United last weekend, has contracted Covid-19 and forced both squad and staff from the Manchester-based side to enter a self-isolation period.

The Robins offered the opportunity to reschedule the meeting - but under FA ruling it had to be rearranged within a five-day window from when the original tie had been postponed.

Unfortunately for Phil Parkinson's men, the earliest they could play was next Friday (January 22) so they have now been dumped out of the competition as a consequence.

Not that Hawks will mind, they can now look forward to a last-16 tie later and are now just three victories away from the Wembley final.

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