ANDOVER Town have been thrown an FA Cup lifeline after the Football Association ordered their match with Hamworthy to be replayed due to a player infringement.

Town were unceremoniously dumped out of the competition a fortnight ago after a poor performance against a Hamworthy side who beat them 4-1 at The County Ground.

However, following consultation with the FA, the authority found that Hamworthy had fielded a suspended player, midfielder Kane Daysh, and ordered that the fixture be replayed this Saturday, September 12.

Speculation had been rife that Hamworthy would be kicked out of the competition and Andover given a free pass through to the next round.

However, both the FA and Town were satisfied that Hamworthy had were unaware of the suspension and therefore the game was ordered to be replayed.

Andover Town chairman, Stuart Barlow, said: “The club became aware last week that Hamworthy were suspected to have fielded an ineligible player in our recent FA Cup game.

“After informing the FA, they have since investigated, and we were informed that the game will be replayed this coming Saturday.”

He also added that the club had held talks with the FA and that the club “were satisfied that the rules had been applied appropriately”.

Chairman of Hamworthy United, Mike Davis, described the incident as an “honest mistake” and added: “We think it is a very sensible outcome from our governing body.

“If they had put us through, Andover would have been upset and vice-versa.

“Now, we have both got a chance to go through.”

Town, who beat local rivals Whitchurch 4-1 on Tuesday night, will now face Hamworthy away at The County Ground on Saturday with the winner set for nearly £2,000 in prize money.

The winner will also face a tough trip to Bideford AFC on Tuesday.