Ridgeons League bosses are praised

RIDGEONS League bosses have been praised for their common sense decision in NOT docking Tiptree points for an offence that saw them kicked out of three cup competitions.

By Derek Davis

RIDGEONS League bosses have been praised for their common sense decision in NOT docking Tiptree points for an offence that saw them kicked out of three cup competitions.

The management committee agreed to take no further action against Tiptree for fielding an ineligible player after they had unwittingly played ex-Northampton Town scholarship player Jamie Arlick in the FA Cup and FA Vase.

The Jam-Makers were also kicked out of the Essex Senior Cup for playing Ian Nimmo, as he was still technically registered with Ipswich Town's Academy.

But table-topping Tiptree have been ordered to replay their league match against Hadleigh United at the end of August when it was discovered they had played Lewin Ward at Millfield although he was serving a suspension imposed by Herts FA which they thought didn't start until September.

John Wisbey, Tiptree secretary last night said: “The Ridgeons League have demonstrated a lot of common sense and we much appreciate that they have done so.

“They have looked at this logically and sympathetically and realised we have been punished enough for something that was not our fault.

“The player was registered with the league correctly but unbeknown to us and the league there was a technical problem with his registration at the FA.”

Tiptree tried to appeal the decision by Essex FA to expel then from the Senior Cup when they received a letter confirming the expulsion on the same day as the rules arrived but it was rejected.