CALLS to scrap replays in the national stages of the FA Trophy have grown after Workington Reds lost out after a mammoth trip to Kent this week.

Reds had to contend with a mammoth round trip to take on Bromley in their third round replay, which they lost 7-1.

And although joint manager Lee Andrews did not blame the result on the travelling, he agreed it was something the FA should look into.

“I think it is something that the FA probably needs to look at,” said Andrews.

“It has worked in our benefit a couple of times this season, when we played Glossop and then when Weston-super- Mare came up in the last round.

“But to expect a part-time football team to spend a full day on the road is tough.”

Reds had to travel without five regular players, who could not get time off work for the trip.

And Andrews admitted it was a big ask for part-time footballers to travel huge distances at short notice.

“The lads have got jobs to do and their work will always come first and unfortunately it’s been the case and we lost five players,” he said.

“Maybe some of them wouldn’t have started the game but, when things started going against us they could have maybe come on and made the difference for us so it’s maybe one to look at.

“I’m not making excuses as they were the better team and deserved to go through.”

And his views were echoed on Twitter by Colin Head, editor of Bromley FC unofficial fanzine Two Footed Tackle .

He tweeted: “Although my team benefited from it last night, the FA need to look at the scheduling of replays in the Trophy.

“Asking a semi-pro team to travel 600+ miles at two days’ notice gives the away team very little chance.”

And several fans from both clubs agreed with his statement.

The FA have already got rid of replays in the last eight of the FA Cup and are looking into whether that should be extended into more rounds of
the competition, to ease the
schedule.

Reds will now turn their attention back to league action today when Farsley Celtic head to Borough Park, (ko 3pm).

There will be a pitch inspection first thing this morning, with heavy rain forecast for the area.