Old Albanian will play in National Two South next season after an appeal against a point deduction was dismissed.

OAs were docked five points for fielding two ineligible players in a win over Fylde on January 31.

It proved to be pivotal as they were relegated on the final day of the season after finishing a single point behind Cinderford in the National League one standings.

While the club didn’t appeal the decision at the time, it launched one last week, but it was quickly dismissed by the National Clubs Association. A further appeal to the RFU, the sport’s governing body, was similarly thrown out.

An Old Albanian spokesman said: “We received a peremptory email from the NCA stating that after ‘discussions’ and ‘due deliberations’ with the RFU’s competitions and discipline sections, our appeal has been summarily dismissed and the club will play in National Two South next year.”