THERE will be no league and cup double for Lyme Regis this season after they were docked eight points for fielding an ineligible player.

The club were told before last Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Perry Street that Richie Emmett should not have played in the two previous fixtures against Ilminster Reserves and West & Middle Chinnock.

According to Lyme boss Tim Edwards, Emmett has been registered with the club since the start of the season but also played for his university team in Surrey on Saturdays when away studying.

A dislocated shoulder meant Emmett had not played for Lyme this term until last week’s clashes.

He scored twice in the 4-2 win over Ilminster and once during the 4-3 victory away to Chinnock.

Lyme have lost the six points earned from the double header and one for each game Emmett was involved in.

Edwards said: “Richie came back from university to play for us but no-one realised at the time that it made any difference his university team also play in a Saturday league.

“The league said we did it knowingly but we are not that stupid. The lads have worked hard for the whole season so we are not going risk everything by playing someone who shouldn’t be.

“I know we broke the rules but we didn’t do it knowingly, it’s just an honest mistake.

“I was devastated when I found out and it was difficult to face the lads on Saturday because I picked Richie.”

Edwards confirmed the club will not appeal the decision. They host Combe Reserves this evening (6.15pm), Millwey Rise on Saturday (2.30pm) and Beaminster next Tuesday (6.15pm).