Holders Athersley Recreation are appealing their expulsion from the cup for allegedly using an ineligible player in the first round victory over local rivals Shaw Lane Aquaforce last month.

Aquaforce made an official complaint that defender Daniel Monfredi did not sign within the required seven-day period before the derby, which Rec won 6-3.The Sheffield and Hallamshire FA confirmed they had removed Rec from the competition and said the date of the appeal hearing had yet to be confirmed.

This is sure to add heat to the growing rivalry between Barnsley’s top two non-league sides, who also play in the same league. Aquaforce’s Doug O’Connor said: “It’s not a vendetta against Athersley at all.

“Rules are rules and we think they were broken. We wouldn’t want anyone thrown out of the cup but, if they’ve done wrong, then that’s different.”

Rec manager Pete Goodlad said that he believes ex-Houghton Main player Monfredi was registered in time for the game. He said: “It’s all down to interpretation. Daniel signed with us seven days before the game. Nowhere in the rules does it state that it has to be seven full days. If we are kicked out then I’ll take it further. We’ve got solicitors on it.”

One cup that Aquaforce are certain to stay in longer than Rec is the FA Vase. Athersley were beaten 4-1 at home by Runcorn Town in the second round on Saturday as star striker Lee Bennett and goalkeeper Sean Penn were sent off.

Aquaforce also failed to finish with 11 men but still progressed to the next round with a 1-0 win at Ashton Athletic. George Conway opened the scoring on 27 minutes but Stefan Holt saw red after denying a goal scoring opportunity. The Ducks had ‘keeper Jamie Bailey to thank after he kept out the penalty and made several other excellent saves.

Manager Craig Elliott had no complaints about the penalty and added: “We start most games as favourites to win but, with ten men, we became underdogs. I have to give credit to the way the lads stuck together.”