CHIPPENHAM Town’s promotion rivals Redditch United have been hit with a three-point deduction for fielding two ineligible players.

The Midlands club were found to have broken the FA’s E10 rule, which deals with the failure to comply with an automatic suspension, for playing the ineligible Jim Mutton and Jazz Luckie during their 3-1 win over St Neots Town on February 20 and were subsequently fined £250, with both players punished with £100 fines and two-match bans.

This morning, the Evo-Stik League Southern have confirmed that they have deducted Redditch the three points gained from their victory over St Neots, whilst also administering a further fine.

Redditch are currently second in the table but are now seven points ahead of Mark Collier’s Chippenham.

A statement from the Evo-Stik League Southern read: “Following the charge by the FA that Redditch United FC fielded two players whilst under suspension was proven, the Evo-Stik League Southern board discussed the matter and has advised the club of its decision.

“The Evo-Stik League Southern board found the club guilty of fielding two ineligible players on Saturday 20th February in a league match at St Neots Town, which Redditch United won 3-1, and as a consequence, the club is to be deducted the three points gained in the match and is fined a sum in accordance with its fines tariff.

“The league has received written confirmation from the club that it will not be lodging an appeal to the FA and, therefore, the points adjustment will be made with immediate effect.”