ONE player's "naive" decision has marred Oxted's season, causing them to be expelled from the NOW:Pensions Cup and docked four Conference East league points.
Oxted skipper Mike Trim was over the moon after his side knocked Premier Division side Cannock out of the cup after a tense penalty shoot-out last month.
Through to the semi-final with all other top division sides having also exited the cup, Oxted saw it as a real chance of picking up silverware. However, that dream is now over after the club were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player.
"As far as Oxted Hockey Club is concerned we thought the player was legitimate," Trim explained. "He was registered as an Oxted player, but then played a Saturday game for his hometown side, which automatically unregistered him with Oxted. We weren't aware.
"I think the player was just naive and didn't realise the consequences. He said he feels terrible. He's left the club now."
However, while being docked the league points was a blow, Trim admits it is devastating for the club to lose their spot in the semi-final of a national cup.
"I feel it's a harsh punishment from the powers that be for what was really a minor infringement and one the club knew nothing about," the skipper said.
"Luckily, we already had enough league points so that, even with the deducted points, we are safe from relegation, although it does put a downer on the season.
"But it's really disappointing to miss out on the semi-final. To get to the semi-final of the cup was a massive achievement and the whole club was looking forward to hosting such a big event."
Oxted still have two league games to play, and Trim is looking for maximum points.
"We want to finish strongly and hopefully take six points from six," he added.
