We have today heard the result of the FA investigation in to the alleged breach of FA Trophy rule 15(h)(iii) by Bedfont Sports in playing an ineligible player in the Preliminary Round game at Grays Athletic.
The conclusion was that the FA were satisfied that Bedfont Sports could not reasonably have been expected to have known that the player was ineligible. Because Bedfont Sports had played an ineligible player the FA ordered that the result should not stand and the match has been ordered to be replayed.
Grays Athletic will now play at home to Bedfont Sports on Wednesday 6 November and the match will be played to a conclusion on the day. Hitchin Town will play the winners on Saturday 9 November in the First Round Qualifying. The winners of this match will be at home to Paulton Rovers or Larkhall Athletic in the midweek commencing Monday 11 November subject to a replay not being required in the First Round Qualifying.
In our case should we win on the Saturday the game with Paulton Rovers or Larkhall Athletic would be on Monday 11 November kick-off 7:45pm.
Due to the fixture now being played on Saturday 9th November, the planned Southern League fixture versus Lowestoft Town will now be rearranged for a later date.
BY ROY IZZARD