Athlone to fight docked points

ATHLONE TOWN will fight an eircom League decision to dock them three points.

The league’s board of control moved on Monday night to impose the penalty, after Athlone were found to have fielded an unregistered player in a game earlier this season.

The First Division club yesterday said they were hopeful of overturning the decision.

“The club feels it has a very strong case for appeal, with a league bye-law on its side,” an official said.

Athlone Town were also fined €2,500 after sub Michael McCann played in the closing minutes of their 4-1 victory over Monaghan Utd on March 19.

McCann had not been registered with the league. The top three in the First Division will secure promotion so the decision is a hammer blow to Athlone.