Ayrshire side's Scottish Junior Cup fate hangs in the balance ahead of player hearing

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Irvine Victoria's hopes of continuing in this season’s Scottish Junior Cup hang by a thread ahead of a Hampden hearing this week.The Westenders are due to face Ayrshire rivals Troon in the second round of the national competition this Saturday.But Ayrshire Football News understands they have been left in limbo as SFA chiefs get set to probe claims they fielded an ineligible player against Fraserburgh in the previous round.Eyebrows were raised when Frasersburgh’s name appeared in last week’s draw for the third round despite losing to Vics on penalties on August 27.It is believed that SJFA chiefs found Vics guilty of playing a suspended player in that match with the club lodging an appeal against the decision.It’s understood the case will be heard by the SFA this week - just days before the weekend’s scheduled tie at Portland Park.Vics were kicked out of the competition alongside Pollok last year after a brawl led to a second round clash between the sides being abandoned.A similar punishment could await them this week if the SFA uphold the initial ruling - and lead to Fraserburgh being asked to fill the void and arrange an eight-hour round trip at short notice.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.Such a sanction would take the shine off a fabulous start to the season for Dougie MacDuff’s men.A 6-0 win against Lugar on Saturday gave Vics their sixth West of Scotland