Sutton United have been charged with fielding an ineligible player - and that could have a huge bearing on the National League South title race.

Paul Doswell's side won 2-1 at Maidstone on Tuesday night to move within three points of leaders Ebbsfleet with two games in hand, and two points ahead of the Stones.

But the U's released a statement on Wednesday which could change everything.

Ebbsfleet beat Sutton 1-0 at Stonebridge Road in September Picture: Steve Crispe

It read: "We can confirm that the club has been charged by the Vanarama National League with fielding an ineligible player in the 3-0 win at St Albans last month.

"The charge concerns the appearance of Jamie Slabber as a substitute, with the allegation that the relevant forms concerning his loan from Hemel Hempstead had not been lodged with all the relevant authorities prior to the game and he was therefore ineligible to play, although the paperwork had been submitted to the league on time and the league had approved the loan.

"Jamie came on with 20 minutes to go when U’s were already 3-0 up.

"The club is not admitting the charge and will request a personal hearing."

Sutton manager Paul Doswell said: "I was informed of the situation after last night’s win at Maidstone and as we had to win all our remaining games anyway it makes no difference.

"The players will remain positive right to the end of the season, and having seen similar situations involving Darlington and Kendal, where no points deduction was applied, I am confident of the outcome."

National League Rule 6.9 says: "Any club found to have played an ineligible player in a match or matches shall have any points gained from that match or matches deducted from its record up to a maximum of 12 points and have levied upon it a fine.

"The board may also order that such match or matches be replayed on such terms as are decided by the board which may also levy penalty points against the club in default."