DORSET Premier League promotion hopefuls Swanage Town & Herston have been hit with a 12-point deduction and a £50 fine for fielding a player without obtaining international clearance.

The DPL confirmed sanctions had been imposed on the Day’s Park outfit regarding midfielder Nat Scott’s involvement in Swanage’s first eight games of the campaign.

Scott had studied in America and played for Oklahoma City before signing for Swans in 2015 but did not received international clearance to play in England.

The omission was flagged up in October when Scott was selected for the DPL representative side and, after checks were made by the FA, it was revealed he had been playing without clearance.

Scott was immediately suspended from all football but was given the green light to play once the necessary paperwork was filed by Swanage.

This in turn prompted a DPL investigation and Swanage were charged with fielding an ineligible player last month.

It is believed the DPL only have the power to levy punishment for the current campaign and the club will face no further action for the offence committed in previous seasons.

Despite the fine and points deduction, the DPL confirmed Swanage had launched an appeal over their punishment to the Dorset FA.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm that, in accordance with league rules, Swanage have been deducted 12 points and fined £50 for not obtaining international clearance for one of their registered players.

“As is their right, Swanage have appealed this decision to the DCFA and because of this, the DPL will be making no further comment on this matter until after the appeal is heard.”

Meanwhile, Bashley succumbed 2-1 at home to Blackfield & Langley in Sydenhams Wessex Premier on Tuesday despite taking the lead through Conor Whiteley.

James Thomson and Sam Griffin scored early in the second half to hand Blackfield the win.

Poppies were sunk 1-0 at AFC Portchester following Joe Bye's effort while Brockenhurst were hammered 6-1 by Team Solent, with Hisham Kasimu (2), Silvano Obeng, Julian Starlet, Jemal Wiseman and Ade Olumuyiwa registering.

In Wessex One, Will Gage netted for Christchurch in their 1-1 draw at Totton & Eling.