Droylsden face FA Cup expulsion

Conference North side Droylsden could be thrown out of the FA Cup after fielding an ineligible player in the 2-1 second-round replay victory over Chesterfield.

Defender Sean Newton was the hero for the Bloods after his brace booked a shock place in the third round against Championship side Ipswich at Portman Road.

But it has emerged Newton should have been suspended for the tie after receiving his fifth booking of the season on December 9. The case will be discussed at an FA Cup committee hearing on Monday, December 29.

The tie has been dogged by incident with two postponements, the first due to fog and then floodlight failure, either side of a 2-2 draw at Saltergate which was controversial because Chesterfield deliberately conceded an equaliser after scoring after the ball had been put out for an injury.

In 2006/07, Bury were thrown out for fielding Stephen Turnbull, who was ineligible, in their second-round tie against Chester, who were reinstated and faced Ipswich in the third round.

An FA statement read: "The FA can confirm it is making enquiries into Droylsden's apparent fielding of an ineligible player in their FA Cup second round tie against Chesterfield.

"The enquiries relate to defender Sean Newton, who picked up his fifth booking of the season on December 9.

"According to the FA's disciplinary regulations, he was therefore suspended for one match from yesterday, Tuesday, December 23.

Droylsden manager and chairman Dave Pace woke late after celebrating Droylsden's historic success, and can still hardly credit the fact they may not be able to take their place in the third round after all.

"If that happens I will go to the nearest bridge and throw myself off!" he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I just can't believe it."