IN AN unprecedented move in local football and believed to be the first anywhere in Wales a club has been booted out of a cup competition after reaching the final for fielding an ineligible player in the quarter-final and semi-final ties.

Newcastle Emlyn had reached the final of Cwpan Coffa Dai Dynamo Davies (former Cwpan Ceredigion) after winning 2-0 away against Felinfach at the quarter-final stage and overcoming Bargod Rangers by an identical score in the semi-final.

There followed a protest from Bargod Rangers claiming that Emlyn fielded an ineligible player and a four-man panel of the competition committee involving officials from the Cambrian Tyres Aberystwyth League met on Wednesday to consider the protest and also look into a matter involving the tie at Felinfach.

Emlyn beat Aberaeron Reserves 3-0 at home in a first round game before sharing four goals with Cambrian Tyres League leaders Dolgellau at Parc Emlyn and going through to the last eight after winning a penalty shootout 4-2.

It was initially understood that the ineligible player was former Maesglas striker Ricky Woods-Holmes but this was not the case and the player was not involved at any stage.

Instead the adjudicating panel found the player to be defender cum midfielder Chris Truslove who was cup-tied having turned out for Cilgerran Rovers in a 3-2 round one away defeat against Dewi Stars on October 3 before being transferred to Emlyn.

A Cwpan Coffa Dai Davies spokesperson told the Tivy-Side: “Newcastle Emlyn were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in the quarter-final against Felinfach and in the semi-final against Bargod Rangers and consequently expelled from the competition.

“The semi-final will now be re-arranged and involve Felinfach and Bargod Rangers.

“Newcastle Emlyn has the right of appeal to the Central Wales Football Association.”

Emlyn were also fined £50.