Droylsden chairman and manager Dave Pace has confirmed that the Blue Square North side intend to appeal against their expulsion from the FA Cup. The Bloods were kicked out of the competition earlier today for fielding an ineligible player.

Defender Sean Newton, who scored both goals in their 2-1 replay victory over Chesterfield, shouldn't have played in the game as he was suspended after reaching five bookings.

The FA have allowed an appeal, which must be confirmed verbally by 9am on Tuesday with the hearing set for Wednesday afternoon. Whatever the result of the appeal, the FA have stated that the third round tie will take place at Portman Road on Saturday.

Pace says the decision to expel his club is unfair: "We're obviously disappointed. It never ceases to amaze me really.

"The appeal is going in as we speak, so we'll have to wait and see.

"It is an administration error. We had the game the other night with the floodlight failure, so we assumed Sean would have been out for the Vauxhall Motors game [on Boxing Day].

"It is the slightest of slight errors. He is not a ringer and he has been registered for two years. We didn't try to lie and to be kicked out of the FA Cup shows there ares no grey areas.

"I just think it's absolutely ridiculous. We have the right to appeal, so that is what we will be doing."

Two years ago Bury were expelled from the competition for fielding an ineligible loan player, coincidentally missing a third round tie with Town as a result, the Blues taking on a Chester City side featuring Jon Walters instead.

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