Essex Senior Premier

‘It’s like VAR has crept in’

by
The Non-League Football Paper Team
27 September 2026

By Jon Couch

Aggrieved Mulbarton Wanderers boss Ben Thompson believes the decision to replay his side’s FA Cup tie with Woodford Town due to a refereeing error feels like ‘VAR creeping in’ to the grassroots game.
Wanderers say they have been left “deeply upset and disappointed” after the FA ruled that the second qualifying round tie must be played again on Tuesday night following a protest by the Essex Senior League club.
Ollie Sotoyinbo thought he had put Woodford in front with a 30th-minute penalty, only to see it disallowed due to encroachment into the area.
Instead, the referee awarded...

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