Unfortunate FA Cup news. Herne Bay, who ply their weekly trade in the Isthmian League South East Division, have got an unexpected extra game next week.
On Tuesday, they battered Broadfields United 6-1 away from home in an extra preliminary round replay – bolstered by a brace from winger Henry Sinai – after a 2-2 draw in the initial game at the Crest Stadium. But next Tuesday they’re going to have to replay the replay.
It all comes down to what the club are calling a “substitution matter” relating to a change made in the 88th minute … when Herne Bay were 5-0 up.
A Broadfields statement adds that the issue is “the use of a sixth substitute by the visitors … made in error and allowed in error by the match officials”. Herne Bay seemingly believed concussion substitutes were allowed, with one earlier change being made following a head injury to one of their players. The late sixth sub, centre-back Joe Tyrie coming on for striker Joe Taylor, therefore triggered the alarm at FA HQ.
The sixth change has apparently contravened competition rule 126 … with such substitutions only being allowed “in the competition proper” (first round onwards).
On the plus side: light cloud and a gentle breeze is forecast for Broadfields’ Tithe Farm Sports & Social Club ground on Tuesday evening. We go again.
