Droylsden's FA Cup appeal fails

Non-league Droylsden have lost an appeal against their expulsion from the FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player.

The Blue Square North side were kicked out of the competition after it was found that defender Sean Newton, who scored both goals for the Manchester side in their 2-1 victory over Chesterfield, should have been serving a suspension for picking up five bookings.

They lodged an appeal but the FA have announced that has failed.

The FA said in a statement: "The FA can confirm that today's appeal by Droylsden FC against their removal from this season's FA Cup was unsuccessful."

Chesterfield will now play at Ipswich on Saturday in the third round.

Chesterfield manager Lee Richardson admits his side have been handed a "lifeline".

He said: "We were devastated to be out of the FA Cup but now we can take this as a bonus and can go there and enjoy the day. We have got to see it is a lifeline.

"The tie has been something of a saga but the FA have had the final word and the rules are clear-cut - you cannot field an ineligible player.

"Their man should have been suspended. If he had not played and scored those goals, the result could have been completely different. If the rules were not followed, the game would be in chaos."