Scholars go through

Potters Bar Town have announced that the FA have been in touch, and awarded them victory in their FA Trophy First Round match with Bedford Town. The Scholars were winning one-nil when the referee called a premature end to the contest three minutes into added time.

The FA Statement is as follows:

'The Buildbase FA Trophy – First Round Proper Bedford Town v Potters Bar Town
Following the abandonment of the above match, a Sub-Committee of The FA National Game Competitions Committee1 was held on Monday 15 November, to consider the matter on behalf of the National Game Board, in accordance with Rule 11(b), below, of the Rules of The FA Challenge Trophy Competition.

“When any match has been abandoned after it has commenced but before it has been completed, the National Game Board shall deal with the matter as it sees fit in its absolute discretion.”

Having given due consideration to all of the relevant facts from the evidence provided, the Members unanimously concluded that the score at the time of the abandonment in the 93rd minute should stand as the result of the match.

Therefore, as the score was 0-1 to Potters Bar Town at the time of the abandonment, the Members ordered that the tie be awarded to Potters Bar Town, who will play away against Braintree Town in the Second Round Proper on Saturday 27 November 2021.

The Members made no further orders and the prize fund shall be paid by The FA to the winner and loser in accordance with the Rules of The FA Challenge Trophy Competition.'

Manager Lee O'Leary commented on social media:

'My management team and players acted in a manner that was appropriate to a situation that was presented to them. That can’t be said for the opposition which is clear to see when watching it all back. Correct decision! Look forward to the next round.'

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