Walsall Senior Cup final is left in crisis

Lichfield City have pulled out of this year's Walsall Senior Cup final with Rushall Olympic leaving the competition hanging by a thread.

The final was due to be played on Monday evening, as both clubs have now finished their domestic league campaigns.

Historically, the final is held at Walsall Banks's Stadium, with a chance for the semi-professional outfits to feature at a professional stadium.

But due to Walsall's potential involvement with the League One play-offs, the Saddlers cancelled all other end-of-season activity at the Banks's.

The game was instead switched to the home of Evo-Stik First Division South side Chasetown's The Scholars Ground.

The move has prompted Midland League Division One outfit Lichfield, who were jointly-managed by former Walsall striker Gary Birch until his resignation on Thursday, to pull-out.

A statement issued by Rushall read: "Our opponents feel a little let down that the game has been switched from a Football League stadium.

"Although they were asked to reconsider their position by the Staffordshire Football Association, they stood firm and confirmed their withdrawal from the competition."

The Staffordshire FA are to hold a meeting during the coming week to decide the outcome of the competition, of which both sides have progressed through three rounds to make final.

Former Albion hero and current Dales Lane chief Richard Sneekes said: "It's absolutely ridiculous.

"It was moved to the 9th at Chasetown because it would've been much, much later otherwise – there was no chance of that. How can they not want to play?"