Lydd Town joint-boss James Rogers unhappy after learning abandoned FA Cup Preliminary Round tie against Deal Town must be replayed

Lydd are unhappy after learning they must replay their abandoned FA Cup Preliminary Round tie against Deal.

The Lydders were 2-0 up with eight minutes left on Saturday when Hoops keeper Henry Newcombe was injured in an accidental clash with Tyler Sterling.

Newcombe, who was struggling to breathe, was taken to hospital by ambulance and the match was abandoned.

He was discharged in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Lydd joint-boss James Rogers was quick to check on the welfare of Newcombe, a man he played with at Hythe.

While that was the priority for everyone involved, Lydd were hoping the scoreline would stand, given there was so little time remaining.

The FA, however, have ruled the tie must be replayed.

It will take place at the Lindsey Field on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm), replacing the scheduled Southern Counties East meeting between the sides.

“We’ve had a letter saying we’ve got to replay the whole game - it’s an absolute shambles,” said Rogers. “It’s embarrassing.

“There’s about five minutes left of normal time, we’re comfortable, we’re cruising. There’s no way Deal are getting back in that game.

“I don’t understand how the result could stand in a league game but in the FA Cup it’s completely different.

“We’re obviously not happy about it.

“It’s no fault on Deal, or anyone else, but I believe the FA have made the wrong decision.

“We could have been out of sight. The game was wrapped up and I think Deal know that but the FA have made their decision and there’s nothing we can do about it. We can’t be bitter.

“There’s no hard feelings towards Deal. They didn’t ask Henry to go down. It’s no one’s fault. It wasn’t a bad tackle. It’s just one of those things that happen in football.”

Rogers was pleased to learn Newcombe