A Cumbrian football club has been fined and deducted points after fielding an ineligible player.

Carlisle City have been punished by the Northern League, it was announced today.

The Northern League Division One club have been docked three points and fined £100 after the appearance of Thomas Hickey in their 2-1 victory over Crook Town last month.

The league have also ordered the match to be replayed.

In a statement, the Northern League said: "Carlisle City have been deducted three points and fined £100 for playing an ineligible player - Thomas Hickey - in their game against Crook Town on February 11.

"The match will be replayed on Saturday, April 8."

The league further confirmed that Hickey had not been registered by City to play in league games.

The Gillford Park club, in response, apologised and said it had been an oversight on their part.

"It was an innocent mistake with no intent to deceive," the club told the News & Star.

"We offer our apologies to the league and all affected by our error."

The points deduction sends City down to 14th in the table.

Jim Nichols' side are at home to Redcar Athletic at the Three Rivers Health and Safety Consultancy Stadium.