POINTS LOSS CLIPS WINGS OF THE ROBINS

CARSHALTON Athletic’s hopes of sneaking into the Ryman South play-offs came to an end after the club were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player.

The Robins would have required a minor miracle to overturn their goal difference deficit and break into the top five with a big win against East Grinstead Town yesterday but they knew before kick-off that they were mathematically out of the race.

The club say they were deducted the three points in March but were informed on Thursday that their appeal had been unsuccessful.

Peter Adeniyi’s side had failed to register defender Mekhail McLaughlin properly ahead of the 3-2 win at Herne Bay on October 4 following his loan move from Met Police.

Carshalton remained in sixth heading into the weekend but, crucially, they were six points adrift of fifth-place Hastings United with just the one game remaining.

A club statement read: “In March the club was the subject of a threepoint deduction by the Ryman League for playing an ineligible player in the Herne Bay fixture on October 4, 2016. We appealed to the FA against the decision but today (Thursday) the appeal was dismissed, we will therefore have three points removed from our total.

“As a result of the deduction Chris Blanchard tendered his resignation as club secretary. We are hoping that Chris will change his mind and continue his good work as club secretary, he knows that he has everyone’s support.”

In more positive news, the Robins have confirmed that, following a meeting with chairman Paul Dipre, manager Adeniyi will remain at the club next season.

Dipre said: “We were all a bit down about not quite reaching our promotion ambition, but I am pleased with the team’s progress. I am confident that both Peter and the team will learn from the experience and deliver our ambition next season.”