Tadley Calleva have reportedly received a somewhat unlikely FA Cup reprieve after AFC Portchester were thrown out.
The South Coast side were found guilty by the Football Association of fielding an ineligible player in the early rounds of the competition.
Now a statement released by Didcot suggests the Railwaymen will play Tadley in their delayed FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie.
Portchester beat Wells City 2-1 in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round, and then gave Calleva an 8-1 hiding in the Preliminary Round.
On Wednesday, an FA Spokesperson said to Football in Berkshire: “AFC Portchester have been charged with allegedly playing an ineligible player in their Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie against Wells City on Saturday 5 August. We are unable to comment further while the process is ongoing, but an update will be provided in due course.”
One note of caution, Portchester have the right to appeal so things could still change but as it stands, Tadley, will be reinstated in the competition and will travel to Didcot Town on Tuesday 12th September with a home FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tie on Saturday 16th against Bristol Manor Farm the prize.
A full list of FA Cup round dates for 2023/24 is here.
Want to know how to qualify for the FA Cup? It’s all here.
