FLACKWELL Heath's hopes of surviving in Ryman League Division Three took a bashing after they were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player.

Reserve player Rhoan Hepburn played the last 12 minutes in the 5-3 win over Chalfont St Peter in December when he was not registered with the league.

The error was brought to the attention of the Ryman League's management committee and they deducted three points from Flackwell.

Flackwell now have only 14 points from their 26 points; four less than their rivals.