Banbury United’s Zamaretto Southern League Premier Division survival bid has been dealt a blow after they were docked a point for fielding an ineligible player, Mitchell Bryant, against Leamington last year.

The offence was discovered when Bryant, whose only Banbury appearance was in the 1-1 draw with Leamington on November 27, joined Hungerford Town.

When the Division 1 South & West side sent his transfer form to league headquarters, officials noticed that Bryant’s signature was “significantly different” from the one he used when he signed for Banbury.

When the league contacted him, Bryant confirmed in writing that it was not his signature on the original registration form, but that of his father, who had signed as a witness.

However, Banbury were still charged with the offence of sending in a registration form that had not been signed by the player concerned, which carries a maximum £1,000 fine.

The club appealed and the fine was reduced to £250.

Consequently, Banbury were charged with fielding an ineligible player, for which they were fined a further £200, with any points gained when Bryant played to be deducted.

Banbury’s club secretary Barry Worsley said on the Puritans’ website: “Although the authorities have the greatest sympathy with us, they are quite correct that we have played an ineligible player, through no fault of our own.

“The club now have to look at the viability of taking legal action against the player and his father, but unfortunately, this will not help the club if they are relegated by one point.”

Banbury director Nigel Porter said: “Technically it’s a breach of the rules, although we followed the rules.

“But because you don’t have to see the (transfer) form being signed – it can be posted – we had no way of knowing it wasn’t his signature.

“If he had stayed any longer, it could have cost us dear.

“We can’t appeal against the second offence because we did play an ineligible player.”

He added: “This Saturday’s game against Bedford was already important, but the deduction of the point means it is even more significant.”

The point reduction sees Banbury five points above the relegation trapdoor.