The Oxfordshire FA have been accused of allowing a junior team to reach one of their county cup finals by “unfair means” after it came to light the club had fielded an ineligible player.

Ardley United were fuming that they weren’t reinstated in the Oxfordshire Under 15 Youth Cup after Eynsham Association – who had beaten them 3-2 after extra time in the semi-final – had included an ineligible player.

The OFA found that the player wasn’t eligible for the tie as he had not been signed seven days before the game.

But claiming there were mitigating circumstances as there was an ambiguity within their bye-laws with regard to youth cups, instead of throwing Eynsham out, the OFA ordered a replay.

However, with players unavailable for the replay date and emotions already running high, Ardley decided against it.

Alan Spence, OFA director and competitions secretary, said: “Ardley chose not to play the game and so the original result stands and Eynsham went through to the final.

“We chose to be fair in the circumstances and order a replay.”

But Ardley manager Kevin Soanes said: “I don’t think it would have been right to play the game again because there was so much feeling between the boys and the parents, and it could have kicked off big style.”

Ironically, Ardley were due to stage the final, but have since told the OFA that they are no longer willing to do so.

Eynsham youth secretary Julian Wiatrzyk said: “I don’t think anyone was particularly at fault. It is just a lack of understanding of the OFA rules. I can understand why Ardley were disappointed.”

Thame United will now host the final on Sunday, April 22 when Eynsham’s opponents will be Oxford City.