LYMINGTON Town and the Sydenhams Wessex League have both been left to count the cost of a Football Association appeal board hearing.

Sanctions were imposed after Lymington had been found guilty of fielding an ineligible player during their 2-1 win over Blackfield & Langley in October, writes Neil Perrett.

Zak Pickett, who scored the winner at the Sports Ground, should have been serving a suspension, having been sent off during their defeat at Sholing seven days previously.

Although Lymington contested the charge and requested a personal hearing, a Hampshire FA disciplinary commission did not find in their favour.

As a result, they were deducted three points, although the Wessex League opted against ordering the fixture to be replayed.

However, promotion-chasing Blackfield & Langley appealed the decision not to restage the game and the Football Association found in their favour.

The FA appeal board found the Wessex League had acted contrary to rule 6.9 of the FA handbook, which apparently states a game may be replayed.

As well as losing three points from the original fixture, Lymington were deducted a further three on instruction from the FA with no right of appeal.

Meanwhile, the Wessex League were told to pay £250 towards the cost of the appeal board.

The restaged fixture will take place at Lymington's Sports Ground on Thursday, April 5.

It could have repercussions on the Sydenhams Premier title race with Blackfield intent on hunting down leaders Andover Town for top spot.