Swindon had enjoyed an excellent season until recent weeks (Photo: Darran Stevens)
Swindon Town have been hit by a triple whammy after fielding an ineligible player in three competitions.
The runaway leaders of the FAWPL Division One South West have been docked three points, dealing a blow to their hopes of promotion to the Premier League Southern. And after losing their place in the FAW Cup earlier this month, they have also now been ejected from the FAWPL Plate.
Swindon have so far not responded to several requests from Sent Her Forward to clarify the position, but the FA has confirmed the club’s punishment for fielding an ineligible player in both the league and Plate.
The FA had already awarded Carshalton Athletic – their FAW Cup Second Round opponents – a walkover into the third round.
And Preston North End have now been awarded a walkover into the semi-finals of the Plate.
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The action comes as Swindon have been enjoying an excellent season.
FAWPL Division One South West
| P | W | D | L | F | A | PTS | ||
| 1 | Swindon Town | 12 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 38 | 13 | 26* |
| 2 | Southampton Saints | 13 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 30 | 24 | 22 |
| 3 | Exeter City | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 27 | 12 | 20 |
| 4 | Forest Green Rovers | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 24 | 10 | 20 |
* Swindon Town deducted three points
They had stretched their lead in Division One South West to seven points before the FA’s intervention, and while they have a game in hand of second-placed Southampton Saints, they can now be caught by both Exeter City and Forest Green Rovers if they – in turn – win their games in hand of the leaders.
With only four games left and a vastly superior goal difference, their destiny is very much in their own hands. But their triple setback – coming at a difficult time for the club – will test their morale.
Sent Her Forward 