Chippenham Town have complained to the Southern League about the severity of their punishment for fielding an ineligible player but decided against appealing the verdict.

The Bluebirds were found guilty of playing Aaron Wilson when he was not officially registered against Yate Town on March 31 and have been docked three points and given the maximum fine of £300.

But the club feel the penalty is harsh considering they owned up to the mistake and have co-operated with the investigation.

“I was somewhat gutted, especially at a time when money is in a chronic shortage,” said director Chris Blake.

“We’ve expressed our disappointment to the league but the appeals process is not straightforward.

“You have to appeal these decisions to the national FA and it costs £100 to do that.

“Even if we won an appeal they may only reduce the fine by £100 which would make no difference.”

The Wiltshire Times understands the circumstances surrounding the failed registration has created an internal conflict at the club and an investigation is to be completed when secretary George McCaffrey returns from America.

The Southern League were unavailable for comment.