WITH Barnet and Grimsby’s agreement for yesterday’s FA Trophy second round tie to go to extra-time if necessary, rather than straight to a replay at the end of 90 minutes, I learned a new FA rule.
Competitions secretary Steve Clark informed me it has always been there, but the two competing clubs don’t often get together to exercise it.
The Bees and Mariners would rather not have another Trophy tie to cram in to an already congested period of games, so opted – if the result required – to have an extra half-hour’s stab at settling things on the day.
Please bear in mind that this column was written before the weekend, so if either side are already through or we’ve got a replay at Blundell Park to come because extra-time couldn’t settle it, I’m using this tie as an example!
Of course, the best-laid plans can always go awry in the event – like the agreement that Sunday morning sides Hendon C and Maccabi Masters struck ahead of their Peter Morrison Cup tie on December 1.
We’re told by The Sun that because the players wanted to get the game over with in time to watch Tottenham v Manchester United, they agreed to go straight to penalties if level at 90 minutes.
A 1-1 draw, 27 spot-kicks and reportedly the longest shoot-out in Jewish football history later – they still missed kick-off at White Hart Lane!
