Cwmbran Town, battling to preserve their Welsh Premier League status, have been fined for fielding ineligible players - but no points have been deducted.

The Crows appeared before a Football Association of Wales disciplinary commission last night and were fined £100 on two charges of fielding ineligible players - Nicky Ward and Michael Binning. They must also pay a percentage of the costs.

But the fact that no points - they feared losing up to seven - have been taken from them has given them a fighting chance of survival.

And with two home games in the space of three days the decision could not have been better timed.

Secretary Ian Greaney, who attended the hearing with chairman Mike Lewis, put the club's case .

Greaney said: "We are absolutely delighted with the outcome. We put a very good case and we received a very fair hearing."

Sean Wharton, Cwmbran manager, is hoping experienced goalkeeper Fitzroy Hutchinson has not been delayed on his way home from a New York winter break.

And the thumbs up from Hutchinson would prevent another crisis at the new-town club who have suffered enough this season both on and off the field.

Wharton wants the stopper to make his Welsh Premier League debut at home to Carmarthen tonight (kick-off 7.30pm) and then play in the home match with Caernarfon on Sunday (kick-off 2.30pm).

Cwmbran first choice 'keeper Richard Lancaster is unavailable and academy keeper Rob Watkins, who plays in the Macron Welsh League with Cwmbran Celtic, is working.

Wharton said: "We had a friendly earlier in the season at Caldicot, 'Fitzy' playing for us in that match, and I know that Caerleon (his Welsh League club) think highly of him."

Despite their precarious league position Crows' players are still under close scrutiny from other clubs and yesterday they received seven days notice of approach for one of the squad.

Cwmbran Town: Hutchinson (from) Misbah, Tippins, Heal, Carpenter, Edwards, Phillips, Pearce, Clare, Green, Wysome, Davies, Ward, Collins, Hanbury.