Gloucester City’s FA Cup campaign remains on hold as the Football Association (FA) has mandated a replay between Mulbarton Wanderers and Woodford Town following a refereeing controversy. The replay will take place at Mulbarton’s Abode Arena on Tuesday 29 September, with the victorious team set to face Gloucester City in the third qualifying round on Saturday.
Mulbarton, competing in the Isthmian League Division One North, initially appeared to have secured progression with a dramatic stoppage-time goal from Nathan Stones, clinching a 2-1 victory last weekend. However, Woodford Town lodged a formal protest concerning a key moment in the 30th minute of the match.
During that incident, Woodford were awarded a penalty which was successfully converted. Yet, the referee disallowed the goal and instead awarded Mulbarton an indirect free-kick for alleged encroachment by Woodford players. This application of Law 14 was subsequently deemed incorrect.
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In an official statement, Mulbarton Wanderers expressed their disappointment over the FA’s decision to order a replay, citing concerns about the implications for the finality of match results and the integrity of the competition. They explained that following Woodford’s protest and an initial FA ruling that dismissed it, the matter was escalated to a sub-committee of the Professional Game Board after further objections.
After seeking legal advice and making formal representations, Mulbarton was informed that the FA sub-committee had decided the fixture must be replayed.
Woodford Town also issued a statement outlining their position. They highlighted that their protest focused on the misapplication of Law 14 relating to the penalty decision. The FA sub-committee examined all evidence including video footage, input from match officials, and opinions from the referees’ department.
The panel concluded that a technical error had been made by the referee. Under Law 14, the referee should have either allowed the goal or ordered a penalty retake. The sub-committee noted that encroachment by attacking players only warrants action if it impacts the penalty taker or affects play in a way that prevents scoring opportunities.
The FA has confirmed that the sub-committee’s decision is final and binding, with no right of appeal. Gloucester City will now await the outcome of Tuesday’s replay to learn their opponents for the next stage of the competition.