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GRIFFITH City has been given a much-needed Billabong Cup lifeline after the result of Sunday's 4-0 loss to West Griffith was overturned.
The Magpies were found to have fielded a substitute, Dean Cappello, who was not listed on the official teamsheet and came outside the permitted 16 players in the matchday squad.
Referees only discovered the discrepancy after the match, leaving GDFA officials with no choice but to award a 3-0 forfeit victory to Griffith City, gifting them their first points of the season.
West Griffith president Steve Perlowski said it was an innocent mistake made due "confusion" surrounding the club's teamsheet books.
"It doesn't matter if he got 30 seconds or five minutes - if you play 17, you've played 17," he said.
"We'll still count it as a win to us but obviously it's a loss on paper."
It is a bitterly disappointing outcome for Wests, who completely dominated City and were more than deserving winners.
But it breathes life into City's ailing campaign after the pre-season dark horses went on a three-match losing streak that left them pinned to the bottom of the ladder.
"Rules are rules, and they've admitted it," GDFA president Mathew Curran said.
"It's a just an oversight but it's unfortunate because they won it easy.
"I'd advise everyone to make sure all their paperwork is in order so that this doesn't happen again."
Meanwhile, Yoogali SC's postponed home encounter against Hanwood Juniors, which was delayed due to the State Cup, will take place tonight at EW Moore Oval at 6pm.