OFFICIAL CLUB STATEMENT

After our semi-final challenge trophy game, a protest was submitted to the GFA, which we appealed against.

We now have the result, and sadly we have to inform you that the protest has been upheld, and we have been expelled from the competition.

The protest lodged stated that there was participation of a player for Cinderford Town first team, who was not eligible to play in the semi-final game. The grounds were that the player had played in the higher GFA Senior Challenge Cup for another side, earlier in the season.

The club made a genuine error and there was nothing deliberate or intentional in the participation of the player. Having never played in this particular trophy we were unaware of any breach. The player or club were unaware that he was cup-tied, but we did breach rule 2e (A player who has competed in a Senior Challenge tie shall not take part in the Challenge Trophy Competition this season).

The club apologises for this breach and realise the disappointment. Thank you for your support throughout this season. Dealing with ground changes to play games, postponed matches and travelling distances, has made for a very trying time.

However, you have remained loyal to Cinderford Town and we know that this will continue.

Thank you

Cinderford Town Club