Heed and Wings at a loss in the dock

Gateshead say they have accepted a one-point deduction from the National League despite submitting “substantial mitigating factors” in their defence against a charge of fielding an ineligible player.

A league statement on Wednesday revealed the unidentified player had featured in a game while serving a suspension.

The north-east club were docked one league point – a punishment which saw them slip back into the relegation zone ahead of yesterday’s visit of Chesterfield. They were also fined £750.

SETBACK: Gateshead and Welling United, below, have each had one point deducted

PICTURE: Alamy

The Heed say the breach was made due to an “administrative error”.

The same statement also revealed that National League South side Welling United also had one point deducted after failing to ensure a player had the required international clearance.

The charge relates to Jay Simpson’s involvement in the games against Dartford and Slough Town, with an independent panel adjudging that the one point gained from the latter game be deducted.

Welling too blamed an “administrative error” and remain in 15th in the table.