FA Cup qualifying tie to be replayed due to error

The club released a statement after the decision was announced, in which they claimed they were "deeply upset and disappointed".

Woodford felt aggrieved because of a decision made by the referee in the 30th minute, lodging an appeal with the Football Association in the aftermath.

The home side did take the lead 12 minutes later, but Mulbarton equalised after 67 minutes and went on to score a 96th-minute winner.

But what exactly was the refereeing decision that proved so controversial?

Woodford were awarded a penalty just before the half-hour mark, which was taken and scored. The referee spotted encroachment into the box, though, and ruled out the goal.

But he did not, as the laws state, order the penalty to be retaken, instead awarding Mulbarton an indirect free-kick.

Mulbarton claimed the FA initially adjudged Woodford's appeal as "not permissible".

However, further complaints meant the issue was reviewed by an FA subcommittee of the Professional Game Board.

The fixture is now set to be replayed on Tuesday, September 29, with a place in the next qualifying round against Gloucester City on the line.

"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," read Mulbarton's statement.

"The decision made by the subcommittee is final and binding and there is no right of appeal."

Woodford also released a statement.

"The Sub-Committee concluded that a technical error had been made by the referee," read the statement, "determining that the correct outcome under Law 14 should have been either the awarding of the goal or the ordering of a penalty retake.

"Woodford Town FC would like to thank The FA for its thorough consideration of the matter, and for reaching a decision that ensures the tie can be concluded in accordance with FA Cup rules," it read.

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