St Albans City were left frustrated on Saturday as their FA Cup clash with Whyteleafe was called off just hours ahead of kick-off.

The second qualifying round tie had been due to take place at Clarence Park but was postponed due to the Saints’ opponents being the subject of an ongoing FA charge.

They are accused of fielding an ineligible player in an FA Cup game earlier this month as well as in their league opener against Guernsey.

Whyteleafe have been removed from the FA Cup - a decision they will appeal - and St Albans are instead due to play Corinthian Casuals in the second round.

St Albans secretary Tom Norman looked to clarify the club’s position on the match being called off.

“Unfortunately at 1.30pm this afternoon (Friday) we received confirmation that the game has been postponed, we would like to apologise to all of our supporters for the short notice,” he said in a club statement.

“The situation was completely out of our control as Whyteleafe’s appeal was at midday today.”

The charge against Whyteleafe came after they were alleged to have fielded a suspended player under a false name.

The player featured in the two matches under the name Adekunle Odutolo rather than the previously unknown name Taiwo Odutolo which he received the suspension under.

Whyteleafe claim they were unaware of the suspension and the club now has a seven day period to appeal against their expulsion from the FA Cup.

Should that appeal fail, City will play Corinthian Casuals on Tuesday.

Before then, the Saints turn their attention to their National League South commitments which sees them visit Chelmsford City’s Melbourne Stadium in their next game on Saturday.

City are looking to extend their run of winning form to a fourth game against a Chelmsford side sitting just above them in the table.

Chelmsford have taken 10 points from their last five games and lie eighth with 16 points to their name.

The Saints, meanwhile, are ninth and trail Saturday’s hosts on goal difference alone.

Victory could see Ian Allinson’s men climb to fourth in the table dependant on results elsewhere.

Defeat, though, could see St Albans fall into the bottom half.