Mulbarton Wanderers are deeply upset after the Football Association announced that their FA Cup qualifying tie against Woodford Town must be replayed, citing a referee error that affected the outcome of the match.
The decision comes after a review of the game, which saw the referee make a mistake that the governing body deemed significant enough to warrant a replay. Mulbarton Wanderers, who had originally progressed, are now facing the prospect of a second encounter with Woodford Town.
Club officials expressed disappointment at the ruling, noting that the replay would disrupt their preparations and place additional strain on the players. “We are very upset by this decision,” a spokesperson for Mulbarton said, adding that the club had been looking forward to advancing in the competition.
Woodford Town have not yet issued a statement, but the FA has confirmed that the replay will take place at a later date, with both teams required to field their available squads.
The ruling highlights the importance of accurate officiating in the early rounds of the FA Cup, where a single error can alter the fortunes of non‑professional clubs.
<small>Source: BBC Sport — read the original story there.</small>
