CHESTERFIELD’S FA Cup win over Stockport County has come a Cropper after the Spireites fielded a Burnley Academy youngster who was not registered to play.

Jordan Cropper started for Chesterfield in the tie that ended 1-1 and then scored in the penalty shoot-out that his side won 7-6 to set up a first round clash at Rochdale.

However the administrative error means the fourth round qualifying tie has to be replayed tomorrow night with the winners travelling to Spotland in the first round on Saturday.

Cropper dispatched Chesterfield’s third spot kick of the shoot-out after a late Milan Butterfield equaliser took the tie to penalties.

But it emerged the club had failed to register the on-loan Burnley full back in time with the Football Association and therefore breached the competition’s rules by fielding an ineligible player.

So the fourth round qualifying tie will be replayed at County’s Edgeley Park without the involvement of Cropper.

The winners will pick up £9,395 in prize money as well as a place in the first round.

Chesterfield chief executive John Croot said: “It is unfortunate that a technical issue resulted in an administrative procedure not being completed.

“The FA panel considered our submission, ruled that the tie would have to be replayed and we have to accept their decision.”

Cropper, 20, joined the National League side on loan last January playing eight times and scoring once before the season was suspended and eventually halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite interest from other clubs, Cropper returned to the club in August for a second loan spell with a Chesterfield side managed by John Pemberton – a close friend of Clarets boss Sean Dyche who played more than 230 times for the Spireites.

Lancashire Telegraph: