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Alfreton to field outfield player in goal for FA Cup tie

First choice goalkeeper Severn is unavailable for Alfreton. Credit: PA

Alfreton Town will be forced to field an outfield player in goal for the entirety of tonight's FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay at Lincoln.

The Conference side's first choice goalkeeper James Severn picked up a thigh injury during the first match, which ended 1-1, and is unavailable for another two months.

FA regulations state that only players included in the squad for the first leg can feature in the replay and, with substitute stopper Cameron Dawson also struggling with a thigh injury, Alfreton will have no option but to play an outfield player in goal.

Manager Nicky Law said:

"It is an extraordinary set of circumstances. 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."