CALDICOT Town have accused Penybont of ‘unsporting behaviour’ after the Gwent side were disqualified from the FAW Welsh Cup, writes Andrew Penman.

The Football Association of Wales Domestic Committee took the action against Caldicot following a complaint received from Penybont after their rearranged cup tie on November 16, which Caldicot won 3-0.

The Committee found Caldicot guilty of breaking FAW Welsh Cup Rule 19h for fielding a player who was not registered at the club when the tie was originally due to be played.

The player in question, Zaki Misbah, came off the bench with Caldicot leading 2-0 and scored the third goal.

As a result of Caldicot’s disqualification, Penybont FC will now face Welsh Premier League side Airbus UK Broughton in round three of the cup.

Following the verdict a statement on Caldicot Town’s website accused their opponents of opportunism.

The statement reads: “Despite discussions between the officers of each club, Penybont FC insisted the FAW act against Caldicot Town AFC regarding an administrative technicality to resurrect their position in the Welsh Cup.

“CTAFC signed a returning player after the original tie was postponed. Unknown to Caldicot Town AFC a Welsh Cup ruling that a player signed after the original fixtured game is not permitted to play in the rearranged game.

“The FAW player database indicated the player was a Caldicot Town AFC player by Friday 15.11.13, 24 hours before the game so was believed to be eligible.

“The player in question was on the bench and entered the field of play with 10 minutes to go when CTAFC were comfortably winning 2-0, the same player scored with time running out.

“Caldicot Town AFC are shocked and disappointed that the officers of Penybont FC have acted in this manner.

“During discussions Penybont FC disclosed they were aware of the rule prior to the game and of the signing before the match; through social media welcoming back the player, and with his name on the team sheet.

“This in mind CTAFC ask the question ‘is the action of Penybont FC unsporting, undermines ‘fair play’ and had intent to gain from something they had not earned?’

“We have left our door unlocked by mistake and Penybont FC have burgled us.”