Kent pair benefit from AFC Wimbledon's removal

Today’s decision to expel AFC Wimbledon from the FA Trophy has benefited two Kent clubs, writes Stephen McCartney.

Gravesend & Northfleet, who lost their FA Trophy second round tie 1-0 to AFC Wimbledon at Stonebridge Road, have been reinstated back in the competition.

The Fleet will now welcome Rushden & Diamonds in the third round on Saturday, 3^rd February.

This means AFC Wimbledon will now travel to Tonbridge Angels in a Ryman Premier League fixture instead, where a four-figure crowd will bring much needed finance to the west Kent club.

A statement issued by the Fleet on www.gnfc.co.uk said: “At a FA Trophy Sub-Committee meeting today, AFC Wimbledon were expelled from this season's competition after fielding an ineligible player in the Second Round Proper.

“The club were charged on 19 January after Jermaine Darlington played in the tie against Gravesend & Northfleet on 13 January.

“Darlington had previously played for Cardiff City and had not obtained international clearance before representing AFC Wimbledon, as required by competition rules.

“As a result, Gravesend & Northfleet have been reinstated into the competition and will receive the £5,000 prize fund payment from the Second Round Proper. They will now play Rushden & Diamonds on 3 February.

“In addition, as Darlington also played in the previous FA Trophy ties against Eastleigh and Aldershot Town, AFC Wimbledon have been ordered to repay the prize money received from these rounds, totalling £7,000.”

The Dons’ statement, issued on their website, www.afcwimbledon.co.uk said: “After an FA disciplinary hearing today, the club has been informed that AFC Wimbledon have been removed from this season's FA Trophy competition and Gravesend & Northfleet have been reinstated. The club will also have to repay £7,000 of prize money from the first round and the third qualifying round.

“The committee concluded that further FA sanctions would not be appropriate and therefore there has been no fine imposed and the club is free to enter the FA Trophy in future seasons.

“The decision is a consequence of an unfortunate administrative error and AFC Wimbledon is suffering as a result of an FA crackdown on such situations as evidenced by the sanctions imposed on Bury in relation to this season's FA Cup.

“The decision is final and binding and there can be no appeal.

“The club has also been informed that the Ryman Football League is charging us with a breach of league rule 6.1 in fielding a player before having obtained an international transfer certificate. The club will make a further statement at a later time.”

Meanwhile, back to Fleet matters, Liam Daish’s side welcome Stevenage Borough to Stonebridge Road on Saturday (3pm).

It’s Kids For A Quid day where kids, accompanied with a paying adult, can watch the action at a reduced rate.

Visit Gravesend & Northfleet’s website: www.gnfc.co.uk

Gravesend & Northfleet v Stevenage Borough
Nationwide Conference
Saturday 27^th January 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Stonebridge Road, Northfleet