GRAVESEND & Northfleet boss Andy Ford faces a touchline ban after pleading guilty to a misconduct charge following his dismissal from the bench during last month's FA Cup, fourth qualifying round home tie against Margate.

The Fleet boss wrote back this week to the FA with his observations on the incident and now awaits his fate. He has not asked for a personal hearing.

"This is the first time in 38 years in the game that I have been sent off and I hope the FA take that into account when considering my case," said Ford. "I said at the time we had been cheated out of a replay with Margate and it is the word 'cheat' that the FA have taken exception to.

"I complained bitterly that Margate's winning goal was yards offside and have sent the FA video evidence to prove the point."

Because of his previous good conduct, Ford could escape with a heavy fine, though a ban looks likely.