CHRISTMAS came early for Northern League outfit Whickham after they were reinstated in the Isuzu FA Vase.
The FA charged third round opponents Irlam with fielding two ineligible players during their 1-0 away victory last Saturday.
However, the North West Counties side later discovered that two of their players had not been registered before the deadline, and admitted the charge.
An FA statement said that Irlam had failed to make every reasonable inquiry that the players were not eligible. Members of the FA panel judging the case unanimously removed Irlam from the competition and awarded the tie to Whickham, who will now travel to Blyth Town in the fourth round on January 13, subject to any appeal by Irlam.
Whickham chairman Ross Gregory said: “We recognise the FA’s judgement and are pleased to have a second chance in the Vase. I wish Irlam all the best for the rest of the season.
“We look forward to taking on Blyth Town in the next round. They had a fantastic win over Bishop Auckland at the weekend and it will be a tough tie, hopefully with a lot of local interest.”
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