A six-point deduction for Scarborough Athletic has today been confirmed following an FA hearing.

The Division One club had appealed against the League's ruling after it was discovered that Joe Lightowler, Darren Phillips and Craig Hogg played for them whilst suspended towards the start of the season.

In their defence at West Riding FA's headquarters in Woodlesford earlier, the Seadogs said they'd "exercised reasonable endeavours" to make sure that the players were eligible and that, in one case, the player was not told of his suspension as his previous club had disbanded.

A three-man FA panel decided that, although certain problems within the player registration system had been highlighted, they would uphold the League's original ruling of a points deduction and ?300 fine.

Scarborough Athletic will also have to meet the costs of the hearing.

The points will be deducted from the Division One table with immediate effect.