PHC have been stripped of the three points from their recent First Division win over St. George's Colts for fielding four substitutes when, under BFA rules, only three are allowed.

But the East Enders may have to go through an appeal process to get the points themselves after they were informed this week that the match would be deemed "null and void''.

Struggling St. George's are planning to lodge an appeal against the decision not to award them the points after PHC were found to be at fault. Injuries forced the Zebras to make two substitutions in the first half and then two more were made in the second.

One of the substitutions involved goalkeeper Jay Smith for Jason Robinson, but the rule which once allowed an extra sub to be made for an injured goalkeeper was changed a couple of years ago.

BFA general secretary David Sabir did not return calls yesterday, but St.

George's coach Earl Basden confirmed that the club had received correspondence from the BFA confirming that action had been taken against PHC.

"What they've come back to us and said is the game will go down as null and void, meaning that PHC are losing the points but St. George's are not gaining the points,'' said a disappointed Basden yesterday.

He said secretary Ivan Smith relayed the news to him on Wednesday night and that the club were planning to lodge an appeal.

"Ivan came to us at the training session and told us what the outcome was and wanted to know whether the club should appeal. I told him `yes' because apparently they are saying the scoreline (4-0) had a lot to do with us not getting the points.

"But regardless of what the scoreline was, obviously they have already agreed that PHC were at fault, as well as the referee (Kenny Perinchief). And because we were the opponents, rightly so we should be awarded the points.'' In their present predicament St. George's could certainly use the points, but Basden says they should go to the club automatically once the other team have been found to have broken the rules.

"Right is right and the act was committed against us,'' Basden stressed.

"I'm sure if the rules were reversed that PHC, or any team, would feel the same way.

"They had two injuries in the first half and replaced the players and a comment was made to me at the time that they are only down to one more injury, meaning they could only make one more substitution.

"And once the third guy went on and then the fourth player started warming up people behind me started to say something.'' Basden recalls the scoreline being 3-0 when the fourth substitute came on which he feels the BFA may have taken into consideration.

"I don't care how badly you play, if the rules are broken and you are violated then rightly so the result should be reversed,'' Basden insisted.

"Jack Castle (PHC coach) was aware of the substitutes he made -- he didn't argue the fact -- and the referee could have been caught up or whatever, but PHC have to be held responsible in some way. If he (Castle) wasn't sure of the rules he could have asked the linesman.'' It is understood that the goals that PHC scored will also be deducted but the match will go down as a played match, with no points to either team.

EARL BASDEN -- `We should be awarded the points'.