Willenhall Town have been given an FA Cup reprieve after being told to replay their preliminary round clash with Barnt Green Spartak.
The Lockmen appeared to have been dumped out of the competition 3-2 by the Midland Combination side.
But an FA sub-committee last night ruled the tie should be replayed after it emerged that Spartak fielded an ineligible player in goalscorer Martell Beckford, who should have missed the game through suspension carried over from last season.
Willenhall have now been given home advanage for the replay, which must be finished on the night when it is played at Noose Lane next Tuesday.
Boss Mel Eves said it was the right decision as it both punished Spartak for their indiscretion and gave his side a second chance.
“Some people are asking why they havenÕt been thrown out of the competition, but I’m just getting on with it it,” he said.
“From our point of view it’s given us a lifeline.”
The winners of the replay will face Kidsgrove Athletic in the first qualifying round.
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