Mulbarton Wanderers have been ordered to replay their FA Cup second qualifying round match against Woodford Town after a refereeing error. The Isthmian League North side won the original fixture 2-1 last Saturday but must now face Woodford again at the Abode Arena on Tuesday, September 29.
Referee mistake leads to appeal
The original match took place on September 19, with Essex Senior League side Woodford hosting Mulbarton. Woodford scored from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark, but the goal was disallowed and an indirect free-kick was awarded to Mulbarton because several home players encroached into the box. According to the laws of the game, the official should have allowed the goal to stand or ordered a retake, depending on the impact of the encroachment.
Woodford eventually took the lead before half-time but were beaten by a comeback from the visitors. Woodford raised objections to the decision and lodged an appeal with the Football Association.
Club's response to the decision
Mulbarton said they are "deeply upset" with the decision to replay the fixture. In a statement, the club said: "In response to Woodford's protest, the FA initially stated that a protest for misapplication of the rules in this regard was not permissible. We concur with the FA's initial findings. However, following further objection and protest from Woodford, the FA referred the matter to a sub-committee of the Professional Game Board."
The statement continued: "After seeking legal advice ahead of the meeting of the sub-committee, the club made robust representations to the FA setting out why the result should stand. Today, following the meeting of the sub-committee, we have been informed that it has been ordered that the second qualifying round fixture is to be replayed at the Abode Arena on Tuesday, September 29."
Wider implications for the FA Cup
The club added: "The club is deeply upset and disappointed by this decision, the impact that it will have upon our football club, and the potential wider implications regarding the finality of results for any FA Cup match in the future played by any team and the integrity of the game as a whole. The decision made by the sub-committee is final and binding and there is no right of appeal."
Advancing to the third qualifying round would have been Mulbarton's all-time best FA Cup result. The reigning Norfolk Senior Cup champions had been drawn at home to Gloucester City in the next round before the replay was ordered. Woodford, a ninth-tier side, are seeking to match last season's run to the third qualifying round, when they were knocked out by St. Albans City following a 1-0 home defeat almost exactly one year ago.
Mulbarton will have home advantage for the replay as they look to set up a date against Gloucester City. In their own statement, Woodford thanked the FA "for its thorough consideration on the matter" and ensuring the fixture is decided "in accordance with FA Cup rules." The winner of the replay will progress to face Gloucester City on Saturday, October 3.
