Leeds United U21s and Liverpool U21s clash moved away from Harrogate Town over pitch concern

Leeds United U21s were hoping to play the last 16 tie at the CNG Stadium

Town announced on Monday that Leeds United U21s' Premier League Cup last 16 clash with Liverpool would take place at their Wetherby Road ground on Monday, January 18.

However, Premier League officials decided the pitch would not be in good enough shape by next week at an inspection at the ground on Tuesday.

The fixture will now be played at Chester's Lookers Vauxhall Stadium

The match will now be played in Liverpool

Town have not played at the CNG Stadium since losing 4-2 against Chorley on December 28.

Town director Garry Plant, who had initially hailed the coup of attracting the game, said: “I walked the pitch with the Premier League representative and, whilst we respect their position, we are all very disappointed for the supporters and for the Leeds Academy set up.

“We have a vastly improved playing surface at The CNG Stadium, a result of significant investment over the last two years and back breaking work by the current and previous ground staff.

"Additional works are planned to further bolster it's performance this season and plans are in place to further enhance the pitch during the summer.

"The club has fulfilled fixtures in recent weeks despite appalling weather conditions, we only lost out to the wet conditions on 4 January when we were due to play Stockport County.

"The pitch is one of the best in the National League set up and it will only get better."