Darvel deducted three points after "clerical error" in Shotts draw

Relegation-threatened Darvel face an uphill battle in their bid to beat the drop after being deducted three points for a “clerical error”.

The Vale picked up their first point of the season as they drew 2-2 with Shotts Bon Accord on Saturday, September 7.

However, an issue with the registration of a trialist goalkeeper for the match will see them lose three points and be fined £100.

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Darvel confirmed that there was not an International Transfer Certificate in place for the keeper who started the match before being taken off injured in the second half.

As a result, Darvel remain bottom of the West of Scotland Premier Division on minus two points, six adrift of nearest rivals Shotts and eight adrift of safety.

Posting on social media, a spokesperson for Darvel said: “Darvel Football Club can confirm following a disciplinary issue being raised with the West of Scotland Football League that we have been deducted three points and the club have also been given a £100 monetary fine with immediate effect.

“This has been due to a clerical error with a trialist goalkeeper registration having not processed an International Transfer Certificate for him in our match against Shotts Bon Accord on September 7.

“We have decided as a club that we will waive our right to appeal and learn from this situation.

“We apologise to our supporters and players for this situation and will learn from it moving forward.”

It is just three months since the Irvine Valley club lifted the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time after defeating Arthurlie at Broadwood Stadium 2-1 in June.

They now face a difficult fight to avoid the drop two years after lifting the West of Scotland Premier Division trophy.

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