Alfreton Town without goalkeeper for FA Cup tie

  • Published
James SevernImage source, Empics
Image caption,

Severn made his debut for Alfreton on Saturday but now faces eight weeks out with a ruptured thigh muscle

Injury-hit Alfreton Town will have to play an outfield player in goal for Tuesday's FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay against Lincoln City.

The Reds fought back to draw Saturday's match 1-1 but their only fit goalkeeper James Severn ruptured a thigh muscle in the game and is out for eight weeks.

Only players who are registered in time for the initial game are eligible to play in the tie.

"It is an extraordinary set of circumstances," said boss Nicky Law.

Unlikely goalkeepers

April 1991: Big striker Niall Quinn scores one, then goes in goal after Tony Coton is sent off and saves a Dean Saunders penalty for Manchester City in a 2-1 win over Derby County.

December 2006: England defender Phil Jagielka plays 30 minutes in goal for Sheffield United, pulling off a spectacular late save to deny Robin van Persie in a memorable 1-0 win over Arsenal.

August 2014: Ludogorets defender Cosmin Moti goes in goal after his keeper is sent off, then makes two penalty shootout saves to earn a place in the Champions League group stages.

Conference Premier side Alfreton only brought in the Scunthorpe goalkeeper last week as cover for another loan signing Cameron Dawson, who also has a thigh injury.

Severn was injured during Saturday's match but still played on.

Law added: "We sought dispensation from the Football Association first thing this morning but they have turned it down.

"We have just 11 fit players, one of whom is going to have to play in goal.

"We are not complaining, and we have already checked with the FA that we will not be fined for fielding a weakened side."

Image source, EPA
Image caption,

Cosmin Moti has five international caps as a defender but had never gone in goal during a game until he helped Ludogorets qualify for the Champions League

Around the BBC

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.