Cambridge fined for fielding the ineligible Ryan Ledson against Crawley

Shaun Derry's fourth-tier side lost the match on January 9 at Broadfield Stadium by a narrow 1-0 margin following Matt Harrold's first-half winner.

The U's have also been ordered by the FDC to pay the costs of the hearing although, of their £7,000 fine, £5,000 of it will be suspended until May 31, next year.

The charge set out in the Charge Letter read: "The Club is in breach of the provisions of Regulation 41.1 in that Ryan Ledson (the 'Player') played in the League 2 Championship Fixture against Crawley Town Football Club on 9th January 2016 when the Player was not eligible to do so by virtue of the fact that he was not registered with your Club on that date in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 41.1 and having regard to the deadline set out in Regulation 41.3."

Cambridge admitted the charge brought against them for fielding Ledson.

The League - having accepted that admission - ordered that: " (a) The Club shall pay a financial penalty of £7,000. Of this penalty £5,000 will be suspended to take effect in the event that the Club is found to be in further breach of Regulation 41.1 at any time up to and including 31 May 2017.

"(b) Provided that there has been no such breach by the Club during the period of the suspension the said penalty shall lapse at mid-night on 31 May 2017.

"(c) The Club shall pay that part of the financial penalty which is not suspended (£2,000) within 28 days.

"(d) The costs of the FDC shall be paid by the Club within 28 days of notification to it of the amount of such costs."

Cambridge sit 11th in the table ahead of Saturday's clash at Portsmouth.