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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Colin Paterson

Muirkirk set for SFA ineligible player probe after goal hero on suspensions list

Muirkirk look set to face an SFA probe after their match-winner turned out to be on a list of players banned from the first round of the South Challenge Cup on Saturday.

The West of Scotland League Second Division side beat Third Division high-flyers Kello Rovers 2-1 in a hard-fought contest at Burnside Park.

But within hours of the final whistle, it emerged that Muirkirk's Dillan Duddy was due to serve a one-match ban after being red-carded for Carluke Rovers in their 6-1 defeat to Cambuslang Rangers in the first round of last season's competition.

Duddy was superb for 'Kirk and set up his side's first goal, scored by Darren Patton, before grabbing the winner after Robert Hampson had equalised for Kello.

In the suspensions list issued by the SFA disciplinary department on Thursday for clubs in the West of Scotland League, East of Scotland League, South of Scotland League and North Caledonian League, Duddy appears on page five.

It's expected West League officials will check teamlines from the weekend's games, which is likely to see the issue brought to the SFA's attention, but the governing body can also act if a complaint or observation is lodged with them.

Muirkirk manager Kevin Muirhead did not wish to comment on Saturday evening until in possession of the full facts of the matter.

This is the latest in a series of suspected ineligible player offences which have affected clubs in both the SPFL and non-league since the start of the season.

Kilwinning Rangers were found to have 'no case to answer' reagrding fielding Kevin Nicoll as an ineligible player in their 3-1 win over Irvine Meadow on the opening day of the West Premier Division season.

Midfielder Nicoll is due to serve a two-game ban after being sent-off for Clyde in the final minute of their 2-1 defeat at Dumbarton on the last day of the SPFL League One campaign.

It's anticipated this will be reapplied in due course by an SFA judicial panel but officials from the governing body and West of Scotland League have not formally responded to requests for information from Ayrshire Football News.

Meanwhile, Whitletts Vics fielded Jordan Boyd on the opening day of the West First Division season in their 2-0 win over St Roch's. He also had a two-game ban to serve from last term.

Word has yet to come through on whether or not the club will face disciplinary action.

The SFA insist it is the responsibility of clubs to ensure that suspensions are served in accordance with the disciplinary procedures. Players are also expected to know if they are due to serve a suspension, and inform any new club appropriately.

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