North Caledonian League points deduction for Thurso after fielding ineligible player
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Thurso have been cast further adrift at the bottom of the North Caledonian League after having three points deducted for fielding an ineligible player against Nairn County "A" last Saturday.
The Vikings won the game 3-0 at the Dammies, a result that lifted them off the foot of the table until Nairn went above them again by beating Alness United 2-0 on Wednesday.
However, a problem with the eligibility of one player emerged later.
In a statement issued on Thursday night, the North Caledonian FA said: "Thurso FC fielded an ineligible player during Saturday’s North Caledonian League meeting with Nairn County 'A' and as a result have been docked the three points they won. These points have now been awarded to Nairn County 'A'."
It means Thurso's points tally has been cut from 12 to nine and consequently they are four points behind second-bottom Bonar Bridge in the 11-team division.
The Vikings have played 14 fixtures, fewer than any other team. They are away to sixth-placed St Duthus this Saturday.
Conor Trueman scored twice and Craig Kennedy headed in the third against Nairn as Thurso recorded their first clean sheet since Michael Bremner took over as manager in early November.
North Caledonian League fixtures – Saturday, March 19: Golspie v Orkney (12.30pm); Halkirk United v Inverness Athletic (2pm); Nairn County "A" v Invergordon (2pm); St Duthus v Thurso (2pm).
Wednesday, March 23: Golspie v Halkirk United (8pm).
Saturday, March 26: Alness United v Orkney (12.45pm); Invergordon v Halkirk United (2pm); St Duthus v Loch Ness (2pm); Thurso v Bonar Bridge (2pm).
Wednesday, March 30: Thurso v Golspie (8pm).
