BACUP Borough have been handed a route into the League Challenge Cup third round after Leek CSOB forfeited tonight's scheduled replay.

And Bacup manager Brent Peters has blasted the North West Counties League for putting their Staffordshire opponents in an impossible situation.

Leek made contact with Peters following a meeting last night to inform him of their decision not to travel for the replay following Saturday's 2-2 draw.

"Their manager told me Bacup Borough was oozing with talent, and while the lads did well on Saturday to get a result, they were extremely lucky," Peters said.

"He said the chances were that, with us at home, the scoreline would be astronomical, and he didn't want to risk denting the confidence of his young side.

"Plus he had a couple of players who couldn't get off work and he would have to put a few of the youth team lads in the squad, which he didn't think was fair."

Peters added: "It's frustrating for us because we should have had a league game tonight, which he had to postpone.

"But I have sympathy for Leek.

"I can't understand why the replay couldn't be scheduled for a Saturday, like the initial tie was, especially as the next round isn't until January 29.

"Leek will get fined now, but I'm sure this situation could have been avoided."