FA Cup second round clash has special one-off rule as Blackpool and Forest Green battle for trip to Premier League club
BLACKPOOL’s FA Cup second-round tie with Forest Green Rovers will have a special one-off rule – due to unprecedented circumstances.
Next Tuesday’s game can have extra time and penalties as normal but no replay, with the winners visiting Premier League Nottingham Forest.
The match is much delayed after football chiefs forced Forest Green to play their first-round tie with Scarborough Athletic again.
Rovers included an ineligible player in their squad.
But instead of being chucked out of the competition following their 5-2 win, the FA granted Forest Green a replayed match.
There was a clear admin error over a loan player – but the situation was unusual
Forest Green got permission from the star’s parent club to use him in the competition – but the FA had not been notified of this.
It meant Rovers’ tie with Blackpool was called off a day before it was due to be played.
Instead the League Two strugglers took on National League North side Scarborough once more on Tuesday this week – winning 4-2.
Victory clinched a trip to League One promotion hopefuls Blackpool.
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
The Seasiders have confirmed the tie will have unusual rules.
Blackpool said in a statement: “The tie will be played to its conclusion on the night, with extra time and penalties after 90 minutes should the game end in a draw.
“Tickets purchased for the original fixture remain valid for the rescheduled game.”