PLYMOUTH Argyle have issued a statement after their South West Peninsula League team forfeited their match at home to Falmouth Town last night.

Town were set to face Argyle’s SWPL outfit on Monday evening at their Coach Road home in Newton Abbot, but the club, whose first team is battling for promotion from League One, were unable to raise a side.

The club cited injuries, end-of-term exams for under-16 players, and two other matches taking place tonight as reasons for their cancellation.

The statement also said that Argyle had offered to play Falmouth at their Home Park stadium next week instead, but this was not possible due to Town's own hectic fixture schedule.

A club spokesperson told the Packet: “We regret that we were unable to fulfil Monday night's rearranged Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Premier Division match with Falmouth Town.

“We have two matches on Tuesday, at Scunthorpe United in Sky Bet League One and at AFC Wimbledon in the Central League, both of which have also been rearranged from earlier in the season.

“Our first team and Academy squads are stretched by injuries and illness, while some of the Under-16 squad are preparing for end-of-term exams.

“As a result, we simply found ourselves unable to field competitive squads to play in three matches across two days in three different competitions.

“The decision to inform the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League that we were unable to play Monday's game was taken only after we had explored all possible avenues.

“We offered to play Falmouth next week at Home Park, but that was not possible because of their crowded fixture-list, which includes the Walter C Parson Cup Final.

“The decision was not taken lightly. We are proud to be members of the South West Peninsula League and respectful of the league's organisers, the rules of the competition, and our fellow members.”

Falmouth have been awarded the three points for the game, while Argyle have been deducted three points as per league rules.

It is the second time that Falmouth have been on the receiving end of a forfeited game this season, after Witheridge failed to travel for their fixture at Bickland Park in September.

Town lost 1-0 to Plymouth Argyle in the reverse fixture at Bickland Park on September 23.