FOOTBALL:SALISBURY City are to launch the "strongest possible" appeal against a decision by the Dr Martens League to dock them three points for fielding an ineligible player.

Whites were also fined £100 at last week's hearing which was held to discuss the case against them following new signing Nathan Perkins' appearance in the victory over Spalding United.

City were leading 3-1 when the player came off the bench for his debut for the club he joined from Devizes Town. Whites eventually won the game 4-1.

Earlier in the season however, Perkins had been signed to Dr Martens Western Division outfit Cirencester Town who, it is alleged, still held his registration at the time of the Spalding match.

City claim to have completed the necessary paperwork to ensure the transfer went through in time for him to play. However, an administration blunder saw transfer forms faxed to the Football Association instead of the League's office.

Manager Nick Holmes (pictured right) expressed his disappointment at the decision, but vowed it would not distract his side from their aim of winning promotion.

"We've got 14 days to appeal and we will. I think we've got a good case but we'll just have to wait and see what happens. It was an admin error. The kind of thing that often happens in offices.

"I think we've been treated very harshly to have the three points deducted."

Holmes, whose side were held to a goalless draw on Saturday at promotion rivals Stamford, said: "We think we have very good grounds to appeal. I don't want to say too much about it at this stage. We were 3-1 up when he came on."

"But even if the penalty stands then we are still very much in the promotion race. I'm sure that my players will be even more determined to win promotion."

As the points have yet to be docked from their tally - pending the outcome of the appeal - Salisbury remain in fourth place - six points behind, but with a game in hand of leaders Bashley.