Mulbarton win replay ordered after FA Cup refereeing error

Mulbarton Wanderers defeated Woodford Town 2-0 in an FA Cup replay ordered after a refereeing error in the teams’ first meeting. The match in Norfolk attracted a record crowd of 806, far more than a normal game for the village club. Interest followed the Football Association’s rare decision to order a replay and move the fixture to Norfolk.

The original match had finished 2-1 to Mulbarton. With the score 0-0, Woodford were awarded a penalty, but the attempt was disallowed because players had encroached into the area. The match official restarted play with a Mulbarton free-kick rather than ordering the penalty to be retaken.

Woodford appealed over the application of the Laws of the Game. The FA ordered the replay, creating a second opportunity for the teams to settle the tie. Mulbarton introduced advance ticketing because of what it described as unprecedented demand.

The victory brings the club £3,375 from the FA Cup prize fund and a home tie against Gloucester City in the third qualifying round. The next match is scheduled for the weekend of October 3. Gloucester play at step three of the non-league pyramid, one level above Mulbarton, who are competing at step four for the first time this season.

The winner of the next tie will receive £5,625, while the losing club will receive £1,875. Woodford will receive £1,125 despite losing the replay. Mulbarton manager Danny Self had said before the match that the club was frustrated by the decision but would prepare for the replay.

Former Premier League and FIFA referee Dan Robathan said the original official may have become confused about the law.