A JUNIOR football team believe they have been harshly treated after losing the only point they have accumulated after failing to fulfil a fixture.

Weobley under-13s were deducted three points and fined £15 from the Herefordshire Junior League (HGL)after pulling out of their game against Bromyard last November.

An appeal was lost earlier this month, meaning that they now have minus two point. Their only point was achieved in their opening game against Lads Club Lions, but they have lost every goal game since, conceding 128 goals along the way.

“I don’t necessarily agree with a fine but I do understand as there is administrative work involved in re-arranging a fixture," said manager Nick Locke.

“However, a points deduction does nothing but discipline the children.

“They are effectively being punished because they’re ill or injured, their mum took them away to Devon, or because they have a dad who wanted to spend the weekend to celebrate their birthday.

“They’ve only won one point all season and that was on the opening day."

HGL secretary Diane Phillips said that league rules, approved by all member clubs, clearly state that a minimum fine of £15 and automatic deduction of three points can be levied against teams who fail to fulfil fixtures.

"The team failed to complete a fixture on Sunday, November 23, so unfortunately we had no alternative but to apply to the approved rule," she said.