Kendal Town avoid points deduction despite fielding ineligible player

KENDAL TOWN have been fined but avoided a points deduction after fielding an ineligible player in the Evo-Stik NPL Division One North.

The Northern Premier League released a statement on Thursday confirming that the club attended a hearing on March 15 and were found guilty of breaching Rule 6.9 – fielding an ineligible player.

Striker Jordan Connerton was not correctly registered and played several times for the Mintcakes earlier in the season before signing for National League North side Chorley on Christmas Eve after drastic budget cuts.

He has since scored six times for the Magpies and his former club Kendal have breathed a sigh of relief after no points were taken off their record.

It follows the league’s decision earlier in the season to suspend Darlington 1883’s 12-point deduction despite the club being found guilty of playing Anthony Bell without international clearance.

A league statement read: “At hearing held on Tuesday March, 15, the panel considered the charge brought against Kendal Town FC under Rule 6.9 – Fielding an Ineligible Player, namely Jordan Connerton.

“After taking fully into account the written observations submitted on behalf of the football club and the personal testimony of representatives including a plea of guilty to the offence, the panel found Kendal Town guilty of the breach of Rule 6.9.

“The directors considered all aspects of the rule in full and determined that there would be no points deduction applied in this case. A monetary fine was imposed upon the club and an order for costs was made.”

Kendal chairman George Gudgeon added: “Representatives from the club submitted extensive written evidence and attended a hearing to explain the position and answer questions.

“The league considered the club’s representations and levied a fine and costs, but did not deduct any points.”