AIB League – Northern Clubs Sanctioned.

Ballynahinch, Banbridge and City of Derry have all been deducted league points for breaches of regulations. Heaviest hit of the three is City of Derry who were sanctioned for allegedly playing an unregistered overseas player under the name of a registered player in three AIB League games. The sanction imposed by the AIB League sub-committee was the deduction of the six points gained in those three games, an additional two league points plus a fine of #4,000.

City of Derry were second from the bottom of Division 2 on seven points, now they go into their next game with a minus points deficit. Club PRO Mike Balmer confirmed that the club will lodge an appeal, “We are very very disappointed with the decision and intend to fight this. To my certain knowledge we have never played anybody under an assumed name. The player in question played for us under dual status.”

The player at the centre of the controversy is Ashley Bond who is registered with Junior side Inishowen. City of Derry were represented at the hearing, chaired by Stan Waldron, by club chairman, solicitor Mark McFeely and team manager Davy Baldrick.

City of Derry avoided relegation last season with a solid end of season performance, winning a series of games-in-hand to finish in 11th postion. Now, with nine games to play, including visits to Wanderers, UCC, Midleton, Malone and Barnhall they once again face the prospect of relegation but Balmer is confident that they can stave off that particular scenario. ” With or without the help of the appeal, we will remain in division two. We’re too good a side to be relegated.” he said.