Cheltenham Town's appeal against the dismissal of Lee Ridley at Torquay United on Saturday has been upheld.

This means that Ridley will not now be suspended for Saturday's Coca-Cola League Two match at Lincoln City.

Ridley was sent off in the 19th minute of the FA Cup first round match on Saturday when he was struck on the goal-line by a shot from Torquay striker Elliot Benyon. Referee Darren Sheldrake ruled that Ridley had handled the ball, awarding a penalty and sending off the Cheltenham left-back.

However, the laws of association football state that if a player is to be dismissed for preventing a goal-scoring opportunity by handball then the handball must be deliberate. Cheltenham Town therefore argued successfully that the ball had been struck at such close range that Ridley had no chance to move out of the way. He also made no motion towards the ball with his hand or arm so any contact with the arm could not have been deliberate.

This is the second time this year that Cheltenham Town have won an appeal against a red card. Striker Damian Spencer's dismissal for serious foul play against Milton Keynes Dons was overturned back in January.

Saturday's match at Lincoln City will re-unite acting Cheltenham Town manager John Schofield with the team he used to manage. Lincoln's team also includes former Cheltenham Town striker Paul Connor. For away travel details please click here.