OMP celebrations on hold pending outcome of protest
OMP Utd may have to put a cork in the champagne bottle and hold off celebrating the NEFL Div 1 title, it has emerged, although they will definitely be playing in the North East Football Premier League next season.
The reason for the delay has nothing to do with OMP Utd, but all to do with the outcome of a protest that has been lodged by Black Bull regarding the eligibility of a Woodview player from a game between Black Bull and Woodview last week that finished in that 2-2 draw.
The protest will be considered by the NEFL at the next meeting, but any decision arising out of that hearing would be liable to a further appeal and that, if it were to happen, could delay the presentation of the trophy and the declaration of the champions.
At the moment, the NEFL Div 1 table looks like like this (taking the 2-2 as a result).
TOP FOUR
P W D L F A Pts
OMP Utd 21 15 5 1 60 22 50
Ardee Celtic 21 13 6 2 48 25 45
Enfield Celtic 21 14 4 3 73 34 43*
Black Bull 20 13 3 4 54 29 42
(22 games - allowing Black Bull 2, Woodview 2 to stand)
* Points deduction
IF THE PROTEST IS SUCCESSFUL
TOP FOUR
P W D L F A Pts
OMP Utd 21 15 5 1 60 22 50
Ardee Celtic 21 13 6 2 48 25 45
Black Bull 20 14 2 4 54 29 44
Enfield Celtic 21 14 4 3 73 34 43*
(22 games Black Bull 2, Woodview 2 - if points awarded to Black Bull following protest)
That would mean Black Bull could finish on 50 points.
* Points deduction