WORCESTER City saw their FA Cup replay against Walsall Wood abandoned due to floodlight failure early in the second half.
After a goalless first period, issues with the floodlights caused a delay to the start of the second half and persisted thereafter forcing the referee to abandon the game on 50 minutes at the John Sylvester Stadium.
The two teams played out a goalless draw at Claines Lane last weekend to send the extra preliminary round tie to a replay.
Worcester released a statement following the abandonment: “We have had a number of messages asking as to what happens next with regards to the fixture, and being honest, we do not yet have an answer for you.
“The FA have this morning asked both clubs for their observations as a matter of urgency.
“In line with rule 89 – ‘Where a Competition Match has been abandoned after it has commenced (but before it is completed), the Professional Game Board shall deal with the matter as it sees fit at its absolute discretion’.
“We have provided our observations to The FA and await further clarification from them as to what will happen next with this fixture. We will further update supporters as soon as we are able to do so.”
Walsall released their own statement: “Walsall Wood Football Club would like to address the issues behind Tuesday night’s abandonment at home to Worcester City in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Replay.
“The match was abandoned at 0-0 in the 50th minute following persistent issues with the pitch floodlights.
“Throughout the summer, there has been ongoing delays with club and ground maintenance. This unfortunately caused our pre-season fixtures to be played away from home while the works were taking place.
“This included the pitch being re-seeded to include better drainage as well as improvements to our electrical system.
“It was also discovered on Tuesday that the electrical issues the club were experiencing extended to the turnstile, meaning that there was no electrical power for the turnstile booth to operate. This meant that we had to resort to a cash-only system just inside the main gate.
“Walsall Wood Football Club understand the frustrations of supporters and would like to apologise to the travelling spectators for delivery of a less than satisfactory experience and reassure you that this is not a regular occurrence at The Wood.
“The club will not be commenting further at this moment in time.”
A replay is likely to take place in the next few days.
