Enfield Town’s play-off hopes could be scuppered by a points deduction after the Towners were found guilty of playing an ineligible player in two matches by the Football Association.

It has emerged midfielder Aryan Tajbakhsh was suspended for two matches after joining the Isthmian Premier Division side from VCD Athletic, who had not correctly reported his bookings to the FA.

The Towners say they informed the FA immediately after discovering Tajbakhsh had played in two games he should have been suspended for and were advised in response not to play the 24-year-old in their next two fixtures.

Enfield followed that instruction and were also told they would face no further punishment from the FA, whilst the Isthmian League were also informed on February 17.

However, the Towners were on Monday informed of the FA charges pending a hearing on Wednesday, April 22.

Chairman Paul Reed, vice-chairman Paul Millington and secretary Nigel Howard attended the hearing at which Enfield were found guilty.

That despite the FA’s concession the club (its officials and manager), had acted properly in carrying out the necessary checks; had identified and highlighted the issue to the FA immediately and the FA's own inadequate record system had led to this situation arising.

The punishment has yet to be decided but under Isthmian League rules it is likely the Towners would face a three-point penalty, which could prove fatal in their play-off push.

Isthmian League Rule 6.9 states:

"Any club found to have played an ineligible player in a match or matches shall have any points gained from that match or matches deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine.

"The board may also order that such match or matches be replayed on such terms as are decided by the board which may also levy penalty points against the club in default."

A club statement read: “We await the written reasons for the decision and the club will, given the circumstances, be likely to appeal.

“We are bewildered at the decision given that it is accepted the club did nothing wrong and it was impossible to know of the incorrect records made by other clubs. “We believe the stance of the FA on this matter has far reaching consequences for football and may encourage others not to report discrepancies in the future. We will of course keep you up to date with events.

“We are sorry for the uncertainty this issue will cause to our many supporters that make this club unique. We urge that you all get behind Brad and the lads on Saturday.”

Town director Ken Brazier added: “Disappointment is the overall feeling, not least because of the order of events and the impression that something had gone awry but not at our end.

“The board have decided to wait for the written findings of the meeting before deciding whether to appeal.

“The next step would be to consider an appeal but until we get a written summary we can’t decide what the next step is.”