Watford Ladies pulled out of this season’s Women’s FA Cup due to having an insufficient number of players, the Watford Observer understands.

The Golden Girls had been due to travel to Doncaster Rovers Belles in the third round yesterday, but the Yorkshire club were told the Lady Hornets were unable to fulfil the tie and they had been handed a walkover.

A number of now former Watford players have joined other clubs in the past two weeks after being told they were free to do so, we understand, and there has still been no announcement over who will be the club’s new head coach following Katie Rowson’s resignation in August. 

Watford's Women’s Super League Spring Series campaign is due to get under way at Aston Villa on Sunday.

A statement on Doncaster’s website read: “Doncaster Rovers Belles can confirm that this morning (Saturday, February 4) the club have received news that Watford Ladies are unable to fulfil tomorrow’s FA Women’s Cup tie.

“In accordance with FA rules, the club have now received a walkover and will be in the hat for the fourth round of the competition.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused but this is a situation out of the club’s control and we are disappointed that the fixture cannot go ahead.

Watford FC are expected to comment on the situation tomorrow.