A TITLE TWIST LEAVES RIVAL PAIR IN LIMBO

HAYWARDS HEATH TOWN and Shoreham have been left in limbo after the former were charged with fielding an ineligible player – after the season had finished. Both clubs applied for promotion to Step 4 but it was Haywards Heath who seemingly won the Southern Combination League Premier title, and promotion to the Ryman League, finishing on 96 points. Shoreham finished second, four points behind, but neither club is sure where they now stand after Haywards Heath were charged with fielding a player under a ‘sine die’ suspension earlier in the season. Haywards Heath have outlined their intention to appeal the decision leaving both clubs unsure as to what leagues they will be competing in next term.

A statement from the Sussex FA confirmed: “The Sussex County FA in conjunction with London FA, have carried out a full investigation into the allegation. As a result both the player and the club have been charged with misconduct and we are awaiting their responses to these charges.”

Haywards Heath Town secretary Mark Russ told Middy Sport: “We feel we have done nothing wrong. We are totally in limbo and as when a decision is made we can prepare for next season. We are going to now answer the charge and put in our appeal and then we wait to get the hearing date, then go from there.”

Shoreham chairman Stuart Slaney added: “With promotion at stake, it’s currently making us miss out on potential players and sponsors. It’s a difficult time not knowing whether we will be playing in the SCFL again or go up into the Ryman League.

“I just want a decision to be made. It’s total limbo for us at the minute.”