Aveley are thrown out of the Essex Senior Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their semi-final against Billericay Town.
Aveley have been thrown out of the Essex Senior Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their semi-final against Billericay Town.
The Millers won last month's tie 3-0, but Billericay will now face Great Wakering Rovers in the final of the BBC-sponsored competition on 24 March.
It follows the recent Vertu Trophy ruling which saw Swindon Town expelled from that competition for fielding two ineligible players against Luton Town.
Aveley said in a statement that they were "extremely disappointed" and had been "misinformed" about the unnamed player's status.
The club also claimed Billericay were "fully aware" of the situation before kick-off which made the result "irrelevant as soon as the referee started the match".
The statement added: "We believe the integrity of the match was compromised, with those in attendance having paid hard earned money to watch what was already a known result by one side."
Both teams play in Isthmian League Premier Division following Aveley's relegation from National League South last season.
Billericay said in a statement posted on X: "It is important to clarify that under competition regulations, responsibility for player eligibility rests solely with the club selecting the team."
They added: "We appreciate that this is not how anyone wishes to progress in a cup competition. However, we respect the integrity of the rules and the authority of the Essex FA in enforcing them consistently."
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Category: General Sports
