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.

PA

Action Images - Reuters

Blackpool’s historic Bloomfield Road will host Forest Green on December 19[/caption]

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.

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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.”