HARTLEPOOL United have confirmed this afternoon they have lodged an official appeal after being docked three points by the Football League.

Pools, who now need to win at Brentford on Saturday to make sure they avoid relegation, are furious after the outcome of Thursday's hearings.

Just a point now separates Hartlepool from the bottom four and Pools chairman Ken Hodcroft is intent on having the punishment overturned.

A statement read: "The club can confirm that an appeal has been lodged with Football league in response to the three points deducted for fielding an ineligible player."

Hartlepool will not be making any further comments "at this time".

They were also issued with a suspended £10,000 fine after fielding Gary Liddle - who has been given an extra match ban - when he was suspended in the win over Brighton last month.