Abingdon Town have suffered a major blow with the deduction of three points for fielding an ineligible player, writes Russell Smith.

The Ryman League slapped the penalty and a small fine on Town after Darren Beckett, who had just been signed from Brackley Town, played for Abingdon in their 2-1 win at Croydon Athletic in Division 3 on Saturday, September 9.

Ironically, it was Abingdon's first win of the season and the points deduction now sends troubled Town tumbling into the bottom three.

League administration secretary Clive Moyse explained that the offence came to light when it was discovered Beckett was doubly registered.

The league received a fax from Abingdon on the Saturday morning of the game with Beckett's registration, but then received a second registration form a few days later - and the signatures didn't match up.

Moyse said: "The form that was received in his name was not signed by the player, by the club's own admission.

"To be fair to Abingdon, they have been up front and honest about it and pleaded guilty."

Chairman Phil Evans said: "It was due to an administrative error. We fielded a player who was not technically registered with the league and for that we have been deducted three points.

"It is a bitter blow because it drops us about seven places."