Strathspey move off bottom of Highland League table as Banks O' Dee hit by 24-point deduction
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The punishment handed out to Highland League side Banks O' Dee over a player registration error has seen the Jags move off the bottom of the Highland League table.
The Aberdeen-based team was deducted 24 points – causing them to drop from sixth in the table to bottom spot on minus one point.
Strathspey Thistle have only collected two points so far this season with relegation a real threat.
The issue first came to light after a Scottish Cup win against Turriff United.
It then emerged that two ineligible players were also fielded in eight league fixtures.
Dee were first expelled from the cup, then given a three-point penalty for each of the league matches involving ineligible players.
They were North Region junior champions last season and replaced Fort William in the Highland League.
The club's president called the deduction "devastating" and vowed that they will "recover and be stronger for it".
Banks O’Dee have lost only one match in their opening 12 league games, winning six and drawing five.
Club president Brian Winton said: "This is devastating news for all involved at Spain Park. I really feel for the management team and the players as they will be feeling badly let down.
"However, we win and lose together, we are a resilient organisation, so over time I am sure we will recover and be stronger for it.
"At times like this we have to be positive and focus on all the good things we have done in recent years. Yes, of course, this is a major setback for our season.
"I have recommended as part of our Scottish Cup appeal that the SFA set up mandatory training for club secretaries. It is a critical position within a football club with harsh consequences when errors occur."
He added: "I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the Highland League office-bearers and member clubs for the disruption this registration error has caused."
Latest Breedon Highland Football League results: Brora Rangers 5 v 2 Inverurie Loco Works; Buckie Thistle 2 v 0 Forres Mechanics; Fraserburgh 2 v 0 Rothes; Keith 1 v 1 Nairn County; Turriff United 1 v 4 Brechin City
GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup preliminary round results: Strathspey Thistle 2 v 3 Lossiemouth; Wick Academy 0 v 2 Formartine United FC
