Holyport FA Cup win declared ‘null and void’ after error

Holyport’s 2-1 FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round win over Hartpury University has been scrubbed and will be replayed, the club have revealed.

Port won the game after Luke Appleton levelled and Alfie Pem got the winner from the penalty spot on 89 minutes sparking joyous scenes – during which a home player was sin binned.

Confusingly for everyone involved, while sin bins are regularly used up to Step 5 in non league football, they are not used in the FA Cup.

Subsequently, Hartpury lodged an appeal and the game has been declared null and void.

A statement released by Port said: “Holyport can confirm that an appeal by Hartpury University FC has been upheld following the FA Cup game on Saturday.

“A Hartpury player was sin binned after the Holyport penalty was awarded and despatched in the 89th minute. Hartpury played 3 mins and 29 seconds with 10 men. Of course Holyport are disappointed by this decision but it is a decision the club will respect and not appeal.”

Details for date and venue of the new fixture have not yet been confirmed.