Rochester United are waiting "with keen interest” for the outcome of Lydd Town’s possible points deduction after being hit by one themselves.

The Spartans’ already fading play-off hopes received a hammer blow with confirmation of a six-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player. It’s a similar scenario that relegation scrappers Lydd Town are facing.

In a statement released by Southern Counties East Division 1 side Rochester, they expressed their disappointment at the punishment received after twice fielding player Max Morgan in league fixtures.

The Strood-based club insist they were unaware of a ban the player had received in Sunday League football.

Morgan had been set to play again in a Challenge Cup fixture in mid-December, ironically at Lydd Town, but a call shortly before the game alerted Rochester to the ban and he was pulled out of the game, which ended in an 8-0 win for the Medway side.

Rochester’s impressive cup form this season led to them reaching the FA Vase second round proper but left them playing catch-up in the league. They were looking well-placed to be in the mix this season but form has dipped since mid-February and the six-point deduction further hampered their hopes.

A club statement said: “It is with disappointment that we note the decision of the SCEFL disciplinary panel to dock us the six points we received following the home victories over Clapton Community and Meridian VP for fielding an ineligible player.

“We are grateful to SCEFL (secretary) Ricky Adams without whose timely notice we would have also had our memorable 0-8 victory against Lydd…

“Rochester United at all times have never sought to deny that the player played, our mitigation has always been been that we never knew he was suspended, a fact that was examined in detail and found credible by an independent FA Disciplinary Panel back in January.

“Sadly, SCEFL declined to hear the same body of evidence despite repeated offers, gave misleading information on the appeals process and generally thwarted all discussions on the fallibility of notification systems that are being retired at the end of this season.

“We await the outcome of further cases that are currently pending with a keen interest and hope that there is no possible conflict of interests proven by setting this precedent.”

Premier Division side VCD Athletic have been hit with a one-point deduction after they played an ineligible player back in December. Relegation-threatened Lydd Town are facing a four-point deduction, which could seriously hit their hopes of Premier Division survival.

While Rochester opted against an appeal, Lydders’ boss Ryan Smith has said they intend to fight the potential punishment.

Their punishment was imposed on them after their player Charlie Dickens featured in 10 games, which included eight defeats. As in Rochester's case, he had also picked up a ban playing Sunday football, with the situation only coming to light when Egerton contacted the Kent FA to enquire about his remaining suspension.

An alternative punishment for such an offence that was open to the league could have seen clubs replay the games, something that in Lydd’s case is now not a viable option. The league season could be over before the matter reaches a conclusion for Lydd, while Rochester’s appeal window is now closed.

Lydd’s appeal hearing is set to be heard in the week commencing May 12, according to their boss Ryan Smith, more than two weeks after the final round of SCEFL matches.

Rochester United retain an outside chance of making the play-offs after thrashing FC Elmstead 6-1 on Tuesday night.

Jack Nelson helped himself to four of the goals while Mack Reilly and Archie Lally also netted in the win.

A busy Easter weekend sees the Spartans host Soul Tower Hamlets on Saturday before welcoming play-off chasing Sheppey Sports to Rede Court Road on Monday.