A LOCAL league has admitted that it is breaking the rules in an attempt to complete its league programme.

But the Accrington Memorial League denies threatening clubs with expulsion if they do not comply.

The league has operated a 'six pointer' system since November after a mounting fixture pile up meant that it was in danger of not being able to complete the programme.

However Division One side Accrington Sports claim that it is being 'blackmailed' into going along with the system which they claim is against Lancashire FA regulations.

LFA secretary Jim Kenyon refused to clarify the association's stance on the matter.

But he admitted that LFA backing was needed if any league wanted to change its format.

The system works where teams who have not yet met in the league, play each other once with all six points up for grabs so to help reduce the number of games that have to be played.

Accrington Sports secretary John Battle said: "The system is against LFA regulations.

"Therefore the league is breaking the rules.

"I have brought the matter up with league officials and they have told me that if we kick up a fuss we could be kicked out of the league. In other words we are being blackmailed to keep quiet.

"But I will be bringing the matter up with the LFA."

The club's problem stem from a six pointer match they surprisingly drew against lowly opposition which put a dent in their championship hopes.

However Harry Dewhurst, secretary of the Accrington Memorial League, said that every team was informed about the system before it was introduced and each team is being treated fairly. He said: "We haven't contacted the LFA about introducing the six pointer system.

"But it is the only way we have a hope of finishing the league programme.

"Other leagues are playing mini games where they play two 60 minute matches a day.

"But seeing as our league is spread out across East Lancashire it is virtually impossible to introduce such a scheme.

"We have got 120 games to get in within the next six weeks and that is going to be a struggle as it is.

"If the LFA decide that we are breaking the rules then we will have no other alternative than to abandon the league programme."

He added: "However we have not told any club that they will be expelled from the league if they do not go along with us eventhough we do have the powers to refuse to renew their registration."

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