Potters Bar Town’s push for promotion from Bostik League North Division has been rocked by the news they have been docked three points.

The penalty has been handed down by the FA for playing an ineligible player during the Scholars 4-1 win over Norwich United on November 18.

Speaking to the club’s website chairman Peter Waller explained that the error was caused by the system used to determine suspensions.

He said: “I can confirm that we will be deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player in a League match back in November.

“We accepted the loss of points weeks ago and it has only spurred us on, with some fine results.

“We now concentrate on our push for a play-off place and this has only added to our desire to finish the season well.

“We did not cheat but we relied on checking the FA Disciplinary System believing it was accurate.

“Belatedly though we discovered it had created two records for the same player, which led to the error.”

It is the job of referee’s to enter disciplinary issues and if they can’t find a player, then have the option of entering them as new.

However, this can and does create duplicates and once the records are merged, clubs can find themselves punished for something outside of their control.

The deduction means the Bar Army will slip down to fifth, behind Maldon & Tiptree.

It would have been more but play-off rivals Dereham Town were also victims of the same computer glitch.

Canvey Island remain third but are now three points ahead and it is the Essex side that visits the Pakex Stadium tomorrow (Saturday) in the Scholars’ next league game.

Kick-off is at 3pm.