Bridgnorth docked three points

Bridgnorth Town have been docked three points for fielding an ineligible player.

Former Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Damien Stevens, now a reserve at AFC Telford, played in the West Midlands League premier division side's victory over Brierley & Hagley Alliance earlier this season.

But it has now materialised Stevens also signed for Wyrley Rangers - and no player is allowed to be registered for two teams in the same league.

Bridgnorth have failed in their appeal against the points deduction, but have succeeded in getting the fine reduced from £100 to £50.

"It's disappointing but the rules are the rules and we have to accept it as an administration error," said chairman Eric Eagles.

"When we sign a player we usually check with the leagues they have come from that there are no problems.

"But we thought Damien had been with AFC Telford all season. What we didn't know was that he had played for Wyrley Rangers in a cup game and they haven't cancelled his registration.

"It's a blow but it would have been harder to take if we had been top of the league."

The deduction sees Bridgnorth drop from second to third in the table. But with only one team - Shifnal - likely to be promoted to the Midland Alliance, it is unlikely to prove too costly for the Crown Meadow men.

By James Garrison