Hartlepool have lodged an appeal against their points deduction for fielding an ineligible player. Pools played Gary Liddle in last month's 2-0 win over Brighton despite him being suspended, prompting Thursday's £10,000 fine and three-point deduction. And the Victoria Park club have announced they will lodge an appeal after being dragged back into the relegation battle due to their punishment.

"The club can today (Friday) confirm that an appeal has been lodged with the Football League in response to the three points deducted for fielding an ineligible player," said a club spokesman.