EAST Lancashire cricket sides Salesbury and Todmorden have been reinstated into the Lancashire Knockout.

The pair lost their first round ties last month but the duo's opponents, Farnworth and Horwich, have been withdrawn from the competition for each fielding an ineligible player.

That means Lancashire League side Todmorden will host Penwortham on Saturday while Ribblesdale League outfit Salesbury will travel to Penrith.

A Lancashire Cricket statement read: "Members of the Recreational Committee met at Emirates Old Trafford yesterday (Tuesday) to investigate the background behind two players from different clubs who played in the first round of the Lancashire Knockout Cup.

"It came to our attention that the players, one from Farnworth CC and the other from Horwich CC had potentially failed to meet the qualifying criteria to play in the competition.

"Factual input and relevant documentation was received from representatives of both clubs and following discussion it was clear in both cases that the qualification rules had been breached.

"We were satisfied that in both cases that there had been no attempt by either club to gain any unfair advantage in the competition. Both clubs were made aware of the outcome of our findings and withdrew from the competition.

"As a result Salesbury CC and Todmorden CC will be reinstated to Competition and will play Penrith CC and Penwortham CC in the next round."