Scottish Football Association president George Peat has dismissed fears that match-fixing allegations will tarnish the new Scottish Cup format.

The SFA are awaiting the outcome of a police investigation after the Lothian and Borders force received a complaint over Hawick Royal Albert's 7-0 first-round defeat by Huntly on Saturday. But Peat does not believe the claims will undermine the inclusion of more non-league teams.

"I don't think so, it's just sad to hear there is an allegation there," Peat said.

East of Scotland League side Hawick were one of many to benefit from changes to the competition in 2007/08, which mean all SFA member clubs and four qualifying junior clubs contest the first round. The Borders club held a meeting on Tuesday night where every player denied betting on the scoreline or that their team would concede a penalty.

Peat, who presided over Wednesday's Active Nation Scottish Cup second-round draw, added: "We are just awaiting a police report to see what action we would take thereafter.

"The articles allow us to suspend, expel, fine or take any action we would like against any individual or club involved in this."

Hawick officials questioned all of their players at the meeting, with the allegations being denied.

Secretary Dougie Purves said: "I put it to the players 'did anyone involved on Saturday have a bet on Huntly, ie the correct score?' The response was 'no' from all players involved. I asked them 'did anyone have a bet on the penalty?' Again the answer was a unanimous 'no'.

"We asked everyone involved, which I was instructed to do by the SFA. We got them to sign a piece of paper against their name and that will be returned to the SFA with our letter. It's now in the police's hands."

Hawick are bottom of the East of Scotland League First Division - the second tier - and were rank outsiders against Highland League side Huntly, who were on Wednesday drawn to face Auchinleck Talbot in the second round.