The Pilgrims were scheduled to entertain Hemel Hempstead Town at The Northolme on Tuesday evening – but their task was made impossible following a positive Covid-19 test and the subsequent isolation of the first team staff and players.

All avenues to keep the Pilgrims' name alive in this season's FA Cup were explored – but regrettably a satisfactory solution could not be found and the Tudors will now progress to Thursday's fourth qualifying round draw.

Reflecting on the bitter blow of withdrawing from the FA Cup, off the back of last season's lucrative run to a televised second round replay against Rochdale, United chairman David Newton said: "We believe that we have assembled a very competitive squad this season and were hoping for another good FA Cup run – and to try to create some more memorable moments for the fans and everyone associated with the club, which would give everyone a lift at the moment.

"Sadly the situation that has developed over the past few days with the first team has left us with no alternative but to very reluctantly withdraw from the competition.

"We explored the possibility of playing the youth team, bringing in new players and using the loan market, but all avenues that we explored had their own individual problems and, of course, we always had an eye on the integrity of the competition.

"We will continue to concentrate on looking after the squad and staff and then prepare for a return to action in the league at the earliest opportunity. We of course wish Hemel Hempstead well in the next round."

Saturday's National League North fixture at Bradford Park Avenue had already been postponed due to Covid-19 issues within the home camp – meaning United's next scheduled fixture is at home to AFC Telford United on Saturday October 24, although that fixture will be postponed if the Bucks are successful in the FA Cup at Leiston on Tuesday night.

All fixture re-arrangements will be announced as soon as possible.