Workington Reds could be in line for an immediate rematch with their recent conquerors Marine if the Cumbrians are condemned to the NPL West play-offs.
For Workington are destined to finish second if Warrington Rylands win their final home game with Bootle on Saturday.
That would mean Reds would be at home in Tuesday’s play-off semi-final to the team which finishes fifth in the table – which is increasingly looking like Marine.
For the Merseysiders have been deducted three points and fined £100 by the NPL for fielding an ineligible player in the 3-0 win over Kidsgrove back on October 12, 2021.
A disciplinary hearing was held on Wednesday and they came up with the punishment which drops Marine from third to fifth in the table.
They still have to play Leek Town at home, and their opponents are now two points ahead of them while Runcorn Linnets have moved up to fourth. They finish off the season at home to Colne.
It all makes for an intriguing final day with the finishing order from first to fifth still in the balance.
Marine officials said they were frustrated at the length of time the FA has taken in dealing with the matter but accept, with regret, the decision of the NPL panel.
