Sutton United boss Paul Doswell says the “right decision” has been made after the FA announced the club would not be deducted any points.

It means that United need just one point from two games, starting with today’s clash with Chelmsford City at Gander Green Lane, to claim the National League South title.

However, with Ebbsfleet three points behind, having played a game more, and United’s 13+ superior goal difference, Doswell and co will be champions whatever their own results, barring a mammoth goal swing.

The FA’s decision has ended weeks of speculation after the club were charged with fielding an ineligible player when Jamie Slabber came on as a substitute in the 3-0 win over St Albans City at the beginning of March.

United had clearance from the Football League to play Slabber, but had not sent a faxed copy to the FA which saw them fall foul of the rules.

After the hearing, in which United chairman Bruce Elliott and club secretary Ray Ward put forward their case, the FA elected to not deduct any points.

Instead, United have been fined £500 and been warned about their future conduct.

Doswell said: “It is such a huge weight off our minds. Since the charge came out none of us have been able to enjoy the football, not even the wins over Maidstone United or Ebbsfleet.

“It is the right decision, it was a minor error and the decision means so much to everyone at the club.

“Bruce and Ray went to the FA on Monday and made their presentation, and the FA were very impressed by it.

“There was no embellishment from Bruce or Ray, just simply stating the facts and the FA deemed it a minor offence.

“There was no effort to deceive. We have to be clear – we filled out a league registration form and had an email back from the league saying the player was clear to play.

“Nowhere on that form did it say we had to send a copy to the FA.

“Hopefully this will set a precedence for other clubs who find themselves in a similar position, and it could so many under-pressure club secretaries.”

He added: “So tomorrow [Saturday] can be a huge day in the club’s history if we get what we need from the game, and I would urge everyone to come to Gander Green Lane and join in the party.

“If we get a point tomorrow, the fans will be able to watch us lift the trophy.”

Meanwhile, today is the last chance for fans to buy discounted season tickets and the club has already sold 600.

At the moment, prices are £99 for adults (£85 for existing season ticket holders), £75 for concessions, £20 for teens and £10 kids.

However, from April 24 the revised prices will be £125 for adults, £95 for concessions, £25 for teens and £10 for kids, and current season ticket holders will no longer qualify for a renewal discount.