County FA to investigate semi-final (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

County FA to investigate semi-final

4:00pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport

FAIRFIELD Villa could be handed a bye into the final of the Worcestershire FA Saturday Cup after their game against Malvern Rangers was called off at short notice.

The county FA are currently investigating the postponed the semi-final clash at the Recreation Ground, which was called off early on Friday, February 22 by Rangers because of player unavailability.

However, Villa secretary Charlie Harris had been informed by Rangers before the game was called off that that a number of their players were attending a wedding which coincided with the semi-final and complained to the governing body.

Fairfield are awaiting the FA’s verdict but they could be handed a place in the final with Malvern thrown out of the competition.

Joint-manager Paul Oakes said: “When we were arranging the game, Charlie was told it would be an easy win for us because many of Malvern’s players were attending a wedding and were missing the game.

“Charlie did not mention it to us because he wanted us to avoid complacency but when you are told the game is off at such short notice you know something is not right.

“It’s all in the hands of the FA now and we’ll see what they have to say.”

Meanwhile, Villa saw their 12 game winning streak come to an end in the Midland Combination Division One after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with West Midlands Police.

They had taken the lead when the Police scored an own goal, which saw their full-back chip their keeper from 30 yards, Police levelled the scores from the spot in the second half after a foul by Keiran Evans but Oakes felt Stuart Frost was fouled in the build-up to the move.

Oakes said: “It was a blatant foul, Steve was just pushed and it never should have got to the stage where they won a penalty.”

Villa tackle Cadbury Athletic on Saturday (3pm ko).