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Friday, January 12, 2024

Extra time or straight to penalties? FA Trophy rules explained

Jack Tolley featured in the FA Trophy third round tie between Hereford and South Park

With Hereford taking on National League South side Torquay United in the FA Trophy at Edgar Street tomorrow, some fans might be wondering what happens if the score is level after 90 minutes.

In the event of a draw after 90 minutes in the FA Cup, up to the fifth round proper, a replay will decide the winner. That game, if also level after 90 minutes, then goes to extra time and, if needed, penalties.

But in the FA Trophy, the rules are different are there won't be a replay or extra time tomorrow.

In the 24-page document from the FA outlining the rules of the competition, which is for teams playing at steps one to four of non-league, it outlines what happens if there's a draw.

Rules include how matches will be 90 minutes, plus what the referee adds on for time wasted or lost through accident or other cause. They are the sole judge of allowance of time whether lost through accident or other cause and their decision on this matter is not subject to appeal.

Other rules include half-time being 15 minutes long and both teams heading out onto the pitch give minutes before kick-off with the match officials. All standard stuff, fans will say.

But in all rounds up to and including the semi final, when a match is drawn after 90 minutes, the winner will be decided by penalties.

There is no extra time.

However, there could be extra time in the final - which will be played on Saturday 11 May.

If the score is level after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time will be played, unless both clubs agree beforehand that the game should go straight to penalties.

The FA must be told of any such decision no later than 48 hours before kick-off and it must also agree.

If extra time is played and cannot separate the sides, then it will go to penalties.

Hereford take on Torquay in the fourth round tomorrow, having already beaten Redbridge and South Park at home after entering the Trophy in the second round.