Mystery of Welsh Cup replay which never happened is solved

Bethesda Rovers have been given the go-ahead by the FAW to play their Welsh Cup second qualifying round tie at Llysfaen this weekend.

Mystery surrounded the North Wales Coast West Division One team’s first qualifying round match against Lex XI when it appeared in Saturday’s fixture list, despite the fact Rovers had already won the game 3-1 on July 25.

It turned out the Ogwen Valley side had used six substitutes in the original tie, which contravened FAW rules.

It is understood Rovers made a concussion subsitution as a 6th but apparently did not make this clear with the match official on the day. This incident occurred in the 92nd minute and Bethesda were 3-0 up at the time.

The FAW decided the tie had to be replayed on Saturday, August 15, but Lex reportedly refused to play the fixture.

An FAW spokesman said: “Last week, the Professional Game Advisory Committee determined that the tie should be replayed, after it was proven that Bethesda Rovers had used six substitutes in the original game, when only five are permitted as per FAW Welsh Cup Rules.

“Lex XI refused to play the replay, therefore Bethesda Rovers have been awarded the win.”