Chippenham Town have been docked three points with immediate effect and fined £300 after being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player.

A Southern League investigation concluded transfer forms for Aaron Wilson's move from Yate Town had not been received before he made a substitute appearance against the Loge Road club on Tuesday, March 31.

The former Gloucester City winger came off the bench in the 78th minute of the contest at a time when Chippenham were already 2-0 ahead, replacing Sam Allison, and provided an assist for David Pratt's injury time goal.

“The club were notified this morning that our investigation found them guilty of fielding an ineligible player, Aaron Wilson, in the game against Yate Town,” said league secretary Jason Mills.

“The points deduction will likely be reflected on the league table at the end of the bank holiday weekend.

“They have the right to appeal to the league within 14 days but having spoken to them this morning I don't think that is an option they are going to pursue.”

Significantly, Mills also revealed that the club would not have been docked the points had Wilson remained on the bench as an unused substitute for the entire game.

“A player has to participate in a game for him to be deemed ineligible, rather than simply named on the team sheet,” he said.

“Had he not come on to the field of play the club would have only received a fine.”

As transfer forms were not received before midnight on March 31 the creative midfielder is still a Yate Town player and will be able to feature for them in their fight against relegation this season.

Mills confirmed that relevant documents were not late in arriving to league headquarters but rather have still not been received as of today, indicating they were not sent at all or sent to the wrong department.

Football secretary George McCaffrey and director Chris Blake, who would normally complete the paperwork in McCaffrey's absence, were both on holiday at the time Wilson was supposed to be registered and an as yet unknown board member was left with the responsibility.

The next time clubs in the Southern League will be able to register players for the new season is on July 1.