THE Somerset Football Association have lifted their suspension on title-chasing Sunday League soccer side Linden City.

The Wellington-based club were banned from playing after failing to pay the fines of two players who were booked during matches.

The total amount involved was only £16 but it was enough for the FA to suspend the club.

It meant they were not allowed to play their match against local rivals Club Rangers last weekend and the points were awarded to the opposition.

"The money has now been paid," said club secretary Steve Symons earlier this week. "We can now play again.

"We sent off a cheque to the FA just before Christmas but apparently they never received it," he added. "Obviously it got lost somewhere.

"It is very annoying because we were forced to cancel our game last weekend against Club Rangers."

A league spokesman commented: "Sides who call off games other than for waterlogged pitches lose the points.

"The rule is designed to stop teams calling off matches for minor reasons, and to make sure the league programme is completed on time at the end of the season."

"Linden say they sent off a cheque before Christmas but the FA never received it.

"It has all now been sorted out and the ban was lifted on Tuesday."

The loss of three points last weekend meant that Linden slipped to third place in Division 3 of the Keyline Taunton Sunday League, with Club Rangers moving above them into second place behind Bagborough Rovers.

But Linden, who play away to Milverton on Sunday, have a game in hand on the two teams above them and are still handily placed for promotion.

Linden have played Sunday football for many years and once fielded two Sunday sides and another in the Saturday League.

Now they run just the one team and there has been a great deal of interest in the club following their success this season.

The loss of three points has undoubtedly annoyed the club but the side is still good enough to win promotion.