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Cup mix-up forces new draw

Commercial League team to make the quarter-finals of the revamped FA Cup competition.In the original draw -- the first time Premier League teams had been included from the outset with those from the lower leagues --

Commercial League team to make the quarter-finals of the revamped FA Cup competition.

In the original draw -- the first time Premier League teams had been included from the outset with those from the lower leagues -- 28 sides were pulled out of the hat to play in 14 first round ties, with holders Devonshire Colts being granted a bye.

However, the format left 15 rather than 16 sides to contest the second round.

The Competitions Committee hastily solved the problem by deciding that one of the matches would be withdrawn from the first round and become the eighth tie of the second round.

That match will be decided by another draw at the BFA offices at lunchtime today and with four first round ties matching Commercial League sides against each other, there is a 30 percent chance that two teams from that league will be fighting for a place in the last eight.

BFA general secretary David Sabir said yesterday that the problem had been noticed before the original draw but after further discussion it had been decided that any further byes should be awarded in the first round rather than at a later stage. Team officials are invited to attend today's re-draw which will be made at 1.00 p.m.