FA Cup tie between Mulbarton and Woodford ordered to be replayed

The Football Association has ordered a replay of an FA Cup second qualifying round tie between Mulbarton Wanderers and Woodford Town following a technical refereeing error. The decision comes after Woodford Town lodged a formal protest regarding a penalty incident during the original match, which Mulbarton had won 2-1.

During the game, Woodford scored a penalty, but the referee disallowed the goal due to perceived encroachment by attacking players and subsequently awarded an indirect free-kick to Mulbarton. An FA sub-committee determined that the official misapplied Law 14, stating the correct procedure should have been either allowing the goal or ordering a penalty retake.

Because the error meant the fixture was not completed in accordance with FA Cup rules, the original result has been voided. The two clubs are scheduled to replay the match in its entirety this coming Tuesday. Mulbarton Wanderers expressed being “deeply upset” by the decision, citing concerns over the finality of results and the integrity of the game.