Fair Play ?

[Pawprint]

The Football Association has confirmed that Saturday's abandoned FA Trophy tie between Colwyn Bay and Altrincham will be replayed in full on Tuesday.  The first attempt to stage the game was called off after 83 minutes, with Altrincham leading 2-0, when referee Mark Ackerman suffered an injury.

Colwyn Bay rejected two alternative officials that were put forward.  There was no designated fourth official available on the day.  A qualified referee in the crowd offered to complete the game but the home side rejected that as a possible solution to the problem, claiming he had been drinking alcohol.  An offer from Altrincham coach Ian Senior to run the line was also turned down.

Speaking to BBC Sport after Saturday's abandonment, Altrincham chairman Grahame Rowley said he hoped the result would stand.

Meanwhile, Colwyn Bay boss Frank Sinclair told BBC Radio 5 live's Non League Show that his club were "within their rights" not to complete the match and that he expected the game to be replayed.


FA Trophy rules

"When a first match has been postponed, or is abandoned before the completion of 90 minutes and neither club being at fault, it shall be played on the same ground on or before the following Thursday.

"Matches abandoned through the fault of the clubs shall be dealt with by the National Game Board."

[celtic]

Heard this on the radio a couple of days ago. Seems a joke decision.

Frank Sinclair, their manager said he thinks it should be replayed, because that's the rules. I wonder how he would feel the other way round.

[mondatoo]

Yeah I read about this earlier, is there a rule that says they can't just play the last 7 minutes + whatever injury time there would've been, seems like a proper dirty angle shoot from Colwyn Bay.

[Doobs]

From Frank Sinclair's twitter

[Ant040689]

I don't mind it much myself as the rules are the rules and think that with money on the line in tough times for lower league clubs financially, you are not going to turn your nose up at another fresh chance at winning £4000 for winning that round, with it always rising after each round progressed in the FA Trophy. A run to the final and winning from the third qualifying round is worth £121,000 cumulatively.

And for two Conference North sides, as they are, they only have to negotiate with teams from one league above for the opportunity, and the couple of leagues below, so winning is an OK possibility with a good run of one off matches.

With this in mind I think it can be condoned more.