MANAGER Carl Abbott was "relieved common sense prevailed" after Evesham United got spared a points deduction – despite having been braced for the worst.

The club confirmed via Twitter that the Robins had received only a fine for failing to re-register Bradley Maslen-Jones and Kai Tonge after both had penned contracts during pre-season.

At least one of the duo had featured in every match from the start of 2019-20, putting at risk the 11 points earned prior to the problem coming to light.

READ MORE | Why Evesham United could have faced an 11-point deduction 

It brings to an end a nervous wait, particularly on the back of a stellar run of five wins and a draw for the past six league matches which has pushed United up to fourth in Southern League Division One South.

“When the news broke we had to accept the worst-case scenario in our minds,” said Abbott.

“I didn’t want to pile any pressure on anyone or cause unnecessary anxiety among the players so it was easier to just accept what was happening.

“We had a private meeting with the lads and said lets just take it.

"That way if we didn’t get deducted the points then fantastic, if we did there would be no cloud over us, we’d have already accepted it and moved on.

“Still, I’m relieved common sense prevailed because I don’t think a points deduction would have been just.

"We didn’t cheat or deceive, it was an honest mistake and I have made far bigger in my professional life than that.

“Thankfully it is all behind us now.”

Chairman Jim Cockerton added: “We are pleased common sense prevailed.

“It is a relief all round, for everyone at the club. It would have been a kick in the guts for the players if they had lost points after putting in the effort they have and playing so well.”

It is the perfect tonic ahead of heading to Cinderford Town in the league tomorrow (7.45).

The Foresters have a number of ex-United players in their ranks, including triple player-of-the-year winner Joe Turley, keeper Andy Hannah and fleet-footed winger Marley Thomas from last season’s squad.

“We are looking forward to what will be a good game,” added Abbott.

“From the bits we have found out Cinderford play a lot of football and are not to dissimilar to us so it should be a good watch.

“The Evesham connections shouldn’t be too much of a factor for us because they are not players I have worked with or are known to my players in particular.

“It adds interest but we are in decent form and the focus is on trying to get the right result." 

Winger Matt Dodd, who was brought off at half-time of Saturday’s 4-0 win over Mangotsfield United as a precaution, could feature.

“I was worried that another knock could have seen Matt miss this one but we managed to contain that," said Abbott.

"We should be similar to Saturday squad-wise.”

  • HEREFORD FC know two home wins will see them reach the FA Cup first round proper.

The Bulls tackle Tamworth at Edgar Street tomorrow (7.45) in a third qualifying round replay for the right to entertain National North rivals Darlington in the fourth and final qualifying round.

Russell Slade's men drew the first tie 0-0 at the The Lamb on Saturday.

  • A TRIO of clubs kick off county cup commitments tomorrow.

Alvechurch host AFC Wulfrunians in the Birmingham Senior Cup, while Littleton head to higher-ranked Quorn in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup and Westfields travel to Ledbury Town in the Herefordshire County Challenge Cup (all 7.45).