Relieved Sittingbourne are set to regain their place in Ryman League Division 1 South – due to an unpaid fine of £16.

The club were facing a grim future after they were moved across to the North Division, meaning vastly increased travel costs and denying them income from a host of Kent derbies at their new Woodstock Park home.

But they were handed a reprieve when Thurrock were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player.

The deduction saw them relegated from the Ryman League Premier Division into the North Division and the Brickies moved back to South.

Thurrock announced they would appeal the decision.

But while Brickies secretary John Pitts has sympathy for the Essex club, he is confident the FA’s decision will stand, even though the ineligible player owed just £16.

Pitts said: “We’ve officially been told we are back in South by the Ryman League. We’re delighted.

“You can’t help but feel sorry for Thurrock. The player was playing for a Sunday League club in West Riding which folded, owing money.

“When that happens, the money is divided among the players and it’s up to them to pay the FA.

“It worked out at £16 a player but the money was never paid, so he shouldn’t have played.

“Thurrock are appealing but unfortunately for them, they don’t have a leg to stand on."