FA Cup tie ordered to be replayed due to refereeing error as club fears wider implications

FA Cup hopefuls Mulbarton Wanderers have been ordered to replay their match against Woodford Town due to a refereeing error. The Isthmian League North outfit won the original fixture 2-1 last Saturday but will have to do it all again.

Essex Senior League side Woodford hosted Mulbarton in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup on September 19. Woodford scored from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark, only to see Mulbarton awarded an indirect free-kick due to several home players encroaching into the box.

However, the laws of the game dictate the official should have allowed the goal to stand or be retaken, depending on the decided impact of the encroachment. Woodford eventually went ahead before half-time but fell to a comeback from the visitors.

Woodford quickly raised umbrage with the decision and lodged an appeal with the Football Association. And Wanderers have responded by saying they're "deeply upset" with the decision to play the fixture all over again in a rare sequence of events.

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A statement published by Mulbarton commenting on the debacle read: "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.

"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.

"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 represent Mulbarton's all-time best result in the FA Cup. The reigning Norfolk Senior Cup champions were initially drawn at home to Gloucester City in the next round before the call was made to replay their last game.

The decision means Woodford have a lifeline as they seek to match last season's run to the third qualifying round. The ninth-tier side were knocked out by St. Albans City following a 1-0 home defeat almost exactly one year ago.

Mulbarton will at least boast home advantage this time around as they look to set up a date against Gloucester City (again). In their own statement reacting to confirmation of the replay, Woodford thanked the FA "for its thorough consideration on the matter" and ensuring the fixture is decided "in accordance with FA Cup rules."