The identity of Town's third round FA Cup opponents has again been cast into doubt with the FA announcing that they are to make enquiries as to whether Droylsden fielded an ineligible player in last night's restaged replay against Chesterfield. The Bloods won the fourth match between the clubs 2-1.
However, it has subsequently emerged that Sean Newton, who scored both Droylsden's goals, was almost certainly ineligible for the game after reaching five bookings for the season. If this is proved to be the case, then Chesterfield are likely to go through to meet the Blues at Portman Road in the January 3rd tie.
Two years ago Bury were expelled from the competition for fielding an ineligible loan player, coincidentally missing a third round tie with Town as a result.
An FA statement reads: "The FA can confirm that it is making enquiries into Droylsden's apparent fielding of an ineligible player in their FA Cup second round tie against Chesterfield last night.
â€ÂThe enquiries relate to defender Sean Newton, who picked up his fifth booking of the season on 9th December. According to The FA's disciplinary regulations, he was therefore suspended for one match from yesterday, Tuesday 23rd December.
â€ÂDroylsden were informed of the suspension on 10th December, which was then confirmed by the club four days later. Clubs are aware that they are responsible for checking that their players are eligible to play in any given match.
â€ÂThe matter will be dealt with by an FA Cup committee hearing on Monday 29 December, in order to resolve it before the FA Cup third round match against Ipswich Town on 3rd January 2009. All three clubs affected are being kept informed of developments.â€Â
The FA investigation is the latest twist in an often bizarre marathon tie which has been abandoned twice (once due to fog, once floodlight failure) and has seen Droylsden allowed to score a goal unchallenged in the replay after Chesterfield's Jack Lester scored when he was expected to given the ball back to the Blue Square North side after the ball had been put out for an injury.