WINSFORD United will lose the three points they earned for the opening day win over Harrogate Town after fielding three unregistered players.

The club failed to verify a list of re-registered and newly signed players which the UniBond League sends before the start of the season.

League officials were not notified that a trio of players not on the list were due to be registered before the start of the season.

Neil Morley, David Lloyd and Jason Anthony had not been retained, but after continuing to train at Barton Stadium, manager Steve Shaughnessy had decided he wanted to sign them.

All three then went on to play a part in the 2-0 win over Harrogate which appeared to have given United an ideal start to the season.

Chairman Malcolm Gaskill confirmed that secretary Peter Warburton has been relieved of his duties over the error.

He said: "It's very serious for us. The league can fine you up to £500 per player and we will definitely lose the three points we got against Harrogate."

Mr Warburton declined to comment on the incident.

New secretary Brian Redmond said: "We are guilty as charged. The team sheet was sent in on the Saturday of the game and it was checked by the league's registration secretary on the Sunday and it came to light we had played three players that weren't registered.

"The league management committee will meet on Sunday, September 26 to decide what action will be taken and we are just waiting for the decision."

Effectively, the Blues were starting from scratch when they hosted Witton Albion on Monday, but Steve Shaughnessy's promising start to his managerial career continued with a hard-fought point against their neighbours.

On Saturday, Winsford lost narrowly in controversial fashion to pace setters Ashton United.

The manager hopes to have David Lowe and Chuku Totutu back in the side for the visit of Selby Town in the FA Cup Preliminary Round at Barton Stadium this Saturday (3pm).

This, subject to cup replays, is followed by a trip to Radcliffe Borough in the league on Monday (7.30pm).