CONCORD Rangers have not been expelled from the FA Trophy, with their match against Sutton United to be replayed next week.

The FA had charged the Beach Boys for fielding an ineligible player after they played Jordan Cox in the 3-1 victory over Sutton on Saturday, November 28.

Concord chairman Antony Smith told the Echo he did not know the on-loan Braintree striker needed permission from the governing body in order to play.

When responding to the charge, Smith explained that he was not aware of the rule in the absence of club secretary Chris Crerie, and the FA has decided the third qualifying round tie will be replayed to a finish at Sutton, in accordance with FA Trophy Rule 16(C).

The FA also ordered the gate receipts from the original match be retained by Sutton, while Concord will be responsible for their own travel costs when they visit Surrey on Wednesday, December 16.

No further action will be taken against Concord, after the committee ruled the decision to replay the match under condition was deemed to be sufficient and the fairest outcome given the circumstances.

The winners of the tie will host National League North side Lowestoft Town in the first round.