Following our fixture against Mulbarton Wanderers in the Second Qualifying Round on Saturday, 19 September, the Club raised concerns regarding the application of Law 14 after a penalty awarded to Woodford was scored but subsequently disallowed, with an indirect free-kick awarded to the opposition for encroachment.

The matter was subsequently reviewed by an FA Sub-Committee, with correspondence and video footage from Woodford Town, information from Mulbarton Wanderers, observations from the match officials and comments from the FA Referees Team and Head of Refereeing all considered.

The Sub-Committee concluded that a technical error had been made by the referee, determining that the correct outcome under Law 14 should have been either the awarding of the goal or the ordering of a penalty retake.

As a result, the FA has ruled that the original fixture was not completed in accordance with the 2026/27 FA Cup Rules, and has ordered the match to be replayed in its entirety.

The replay is currently scheduled for Tuesday 29 September at 7:45pm. The tie will take place at Mulbarton’s Abode Arena, and will be decided on the night, with extra-time and penalties to be used if necessary.

Woodford Town FC would like to thank The FA for its thorough consideration of the matter, and for reaching a decision that ensures the tie can be concluded in accordance with FA Cup rules.

Our focus now turns to Saturday’s fixture at home against Harwich & Parkeston in the Essex Senior League, before we turn our attentions to Tuesday and the opportunity to compete once again for a place in the Third Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup.

The winners will face National League South Side Gloucester City at home, on Saturday, 3rd October.