AFC Sudbury manager Jamie Godbold believes ‘common sense has prevailed’ after his side were awarded the three points from their abandoned Ryman Premier Division game at Hendon, in January,

Sudbury, who are currently second bottom in the table, were leading 2-1 in stoppage time in January, when a mass brawl broke out, resulting in the dismissal of Hendon’s Kevin Maclaren and a yellow card for AFC’s Liam Wales.

Hendon were charged by the FA and Ryman League, the latter today opting to award the Suffolk club all three points.

Godbold’s side are now just a point from safety in the Ryman Premier with five games left to play and they travel to Worthing on Saturday with renewed hope.

Having watched his side slump to a heavy 4-0 home defeat in the reverse fixture against Hendon last weekend, Godbold said: “Common sense has prevailed in the end.

“It is just a little bit frustrating that it took so long for a decision to be made and psychologically how it might have affected our mindset.

“But what’s done is done and it feels like we have won a game and while we have not moved up the table, psychologically that should give us all a lift.”

Second-bottom Sudbury travel to mid-table Worthing having won just one of their last eight games and having conceded 17 goals in their last four Ryman Premier games.

“The longer it went on without a decision, the less likely it was looking (that a decision would be made in Sudbury’s favour). It was a simple decision that has been drawn out,” added Godbold, who has seen 13-goal midfielder Sam Bantick leave the club this week.

That represents a big blow, especially as Godbold has been unable to add to his squad in the transfer market.

“It’s difficult trying to sell the club with the position we are in,” Godbold explained.

“There are players that perhaps already have their summer holidays on their minds, so why would they want to come and put themselves in a scenario like the one we are in?

“But there is a hell of a lot to play for, whether the players’ motivation is to try and earn a new deal for next season, pride, or not wanting to have a relegation on their CV.”