AFC Telford United’s pre-season friendly with Chester City – scheduled to be played a week today – has been cancelled with the Blue Square Premier club facing possible extinction.

Chester, who were relegated from the Football League at the end of last season, went into administration in May.

The club was then bought back by former chairman Stephen Vaughan, but it is understood the Football Association have concerns over the set-up of his new company.

That has led them to withhold the club’s licence, effectively denying City the right to play in any sanctioned league competition, and ordered them to cancel all pre-season friendlies.

They were due to come to Telford next week, but the Bucks have responded quickly to the announcement from the FA.

A club statement said: “In light of the current circumstances surrounding Chester City, we have been advised by the Football Association that we should not proceed with the pre-season friendly scheduled for Saturday, July 25.

“As a result, the game has been cancelled. We will look to arrange an alternative game and will release further information in due course.”

l The feel-good factor appears to be back at AFC Telford United – with season ticket sales breaking through the 600 barrier.

Despondency over last season’s play-off final defeat has faded and chairman Lee Carter is now eager to see the new Blue Square North campaign begin.

Fans would seem to share his optimism with a recent burst of sales taking the season ticket tally closer to last season’s figure of just over 700.”It’s really edging up to where it was last season now, and that’s an absolutely awesome effort,” said Carter.