MOTHERWELL B have forfeited their upcoming SPFL Trust Tophy clash with Stranraer after a series of injuries an outbreak of Covid has left the young squad decimated.

The two sides were set to meet this coming Tuesday but Motherwell have now have formally withdrawn from the tournament due to a shortage of players.

Stranraer have been awarded a 3-0 victory and have been given a bye to the second round, and will host Partick Thistle on Saturday September 4.

In a statement released on the club's website, Motherwell revealed their disappointment that "the young players, many of whom are first year pros, will not have the opportunity to take part in the game due to injuries and Covid-19 issues."

The Premiership club added that the academy's upcoming under-18s fixture against Hamilton - due to be played on Friday night - has been postponed.

A statement from the SPFL read: "Consistent with previous announcements in respect of similar issues in the group stage of the Premier Sports Cup, the SPFL Board has now confirmed that any club unable or unwilling to field a team in an SPFL Trust Trophy first or second round tie will forfeit the match on the basis of a 3-0 defeat.

"Accordingly, Stranraer have been awarded a 3-0 win and will play Partick Thistle in the second round of the competition next month."