Points deduction leaves Prestatyn Town fighting for their Tier 2 status
Prestatyn Town’s hopes of remaining in the JD Cymru North next season have been dealt a serious blow after a three-point deduction was imposed on the club for fielding an ineligible player.
The FAW punishment, announced today, means that to stay in the league, the Seasiders have to better fellow bottom four side Porthmadog’s result in the clubs’ respective final matches on April 19.
On that day, Town travel to Gresford Athletic, while Port are home to current leaders Holywell.
Both Prestatyn and Porthmadog now have 22 points apiece from 29 games played.
However, Port have a better goal difference of 7. The bottom three sides will be relegated with Chirk AAA and Llanidloes Town already resigned to the drop.
CURRENT CYMRU NORTH BOTTOM FOUR
Today’s three-point penalty brought the Bastion Gardens club level on points with the Traeth side.
Prestatyn were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in their 3-0 defeat at Mold Alexandra on December 31.
The club allegedly listed Travis Wilson as their goalkeeper on the team sheet when in fact an unregistered player took part in the match under that name.
If Prestatyn go down, it will be the first time since 2005-06 that they have played Tier 3 football.
In a statement today, the FAW said: “The National Leagues Board of the Football Association of Wales (FAW) has met to consider the charge against Prestatyn Town FC for the Disciplinary Offence as set out under FAW Rule 38.1.2 for a breach of Cymru North Rule 14.1.
“It was alleged that the Club fielded an ineligible player, having listed Travis Wilson on their team sheet for the JD Cymru North fixture against Mold Alexandra on 31 December 2023 whilst in actual fact they were not present for this match and an ineligible player was played under their name.
“Cymru North Rule 14.1. states that: ‘No Club may play an ineligible Player in any Match. Any Club which plays an ineligible player in a Match will have three (3) points deducted from its League record for that Playing Season (or in the case of a Play-Off Match, will forfeit the Match) and will also be liable to a fine. If the Player is a nominated but unused substitute for a Match, he shall be deemed as not having played for the Club in that Match.’
“The charge was found proven and in line with Cymru North Rule 14.1, the Club are deducted three (3) points from its playing record for season 2023/24 for each match played (1 match), for a total of 3 points.
“Prestatyn Town FC may refer the matter to an Appeals Panel of the Football Association of Wales. Written notice of such a course of action must state the grounds of appeal and be submitted to FAW no later than 5pm on Tuesday 23 April 2024.”
COMMENT – GRASSROOTS NORTH WALES
While the penalty imposed on Prestatyn Town is justified, it is a great pity that the alleged offence took place when the club was under a previous regime, yet the current set-up will pay the price.
Since the turn of the year, a change of management, officials and playing squad has seen Prestatyn lay many positive steps for the future.
To lose their Tier 2 status because of the actions of the previous coordinators seems harsh.
Depending on final matchday results for Town and Porthmadog, it may yet emerge that Prestatyn stay up.
If the Seasiders do go down, however, it will be a shame that the current club will suffer from the carelessness of its predecessors.
However, based on the rules, there can be no denying the right punishment has been administered on this occasion and on the flipside, Prestatyn’s problem has given another great club in Porthmadog fresh hope of remaining in the Cymru North.
So many amazing things have happened for Prestatyn Town since they were last in Tier 3 in 2005-06. One hopes that if they return there, the club can rise again.