File (Embeded) - Lewes v Hastings Utd SSC Feb 10 Joe
The Sussex FA has ordered Lewes and Hastings United to replay the recent Sussex Senior Cup tie owing to an ineligible player fielded by Hastings.
Ross Treleaven scored during the replay at the Pilot Field on 9th February, and also netted one of the penalties in the shoot-out which Hastings won 7-6.Hastings checked Treleaven’s eligibility with the Sussex FA and were given the all-clear, but it subsequently emerged that he had previously appeared in this season’s competition for Eastbourne Borough against Burgess Hill.The error arose because Eastbourne failed to include Treleaven’s name on their match return card. Borough have now been fined by the Sussex FA.Originally, the Sussex FA asked Lewes whether they would accept that the result of the match should stand as the mistake did not originate from Hastings who had made the initial checks with them.However, Lewes FC were uncomfortable at being put in a difficult situation themselves due to circumstances completely outside their control.Lewes manager Steve Ibbitson said: "The Club's view is that the SussexCountyFA should administer its competitions itself and that we'll abide by any reasonable decision it makes"Ken Benham, Sussex FA Chief Exec told today’s Argus that they shouldn’t have approached Lewes to make the decision. He said “We were wrong to put any responsibility on either club to make a decision. The match is to be replayed.”The game now goes ahead at the Pilot Field on Tuesday 16th March. As a gesture of goodwill, Hastings United have said that admission will be free to both sets of supporters.
