A missing stamp has led to Leithen Rovers being banned for a week in the run in to one of the Division A’s tightest ever finishes.

And the seven-day suspension for non payment of a fine led to last Wednesday’s midweek match with Stow being awarded to the opponents.

The points from Saturday’s game were also been handed to Newtown.

Leithen Rovers manager Paul Graham is lodging an appeal with the Scottish Amateur FA. He told us: “We sent the fine to the Border Amateur secretary last week in time before the Friday midnight deadline for payment.

“We have the proof of posting but somehow the stamp has fallen off. All I know is that a card was put through the secretary’s door saying he had to collect it from the sorting office and pay the postage.

“That wasn’t done until the Monday and we now find that we have a debt suspension - a suspension that will likely cost us our chance at winning the league.” Five teams in the Border Amateur divisions have already suffered debt suspensions this season. And officials at the Border Amateur FA are standing by their decision.

League secretary Colin Campbell didn’t want to go on record due to the impending appeal - but insisted that they were adhering to the constitution.

Mr Campbell said: “A debt suspension was imposed on Leithen Rovers due to the late payment of a fine.” Chirnside Utd sit on top of the Border Amateur A Division as the season enters the home straight.

Leading the chase to catch them are Leithen Rovers with Hawick Waverley and West Barns Star also in contention.

The two-game concession will undoubtedly cost Paul Graham’s team their shot at glory.

And even if their appeal is successful - nobody knows when the two games will be played.

The Scottish Amateur FA wouldn’t discuss the ruling due to the impending appeal and they couldn’t give any indication of how long the process will take.

Mr Graham added: “This has the potential to wreck our title hopes. Even if we win our appeal we could be playing these games in the summer - and that’s if we can get an agreement from Stow and Newtown.

“None of this is our fault. We sent away the fine in good faith and the next thing we know is that we are not allowed to play for a week.” Leithen Rovers’ next match was against Tweeddale Rovers on Tuesday night before they travel to Gala Fairydean Rovers on Saturday.

They will also play Hawick Waverley in the semi-final of the South Cup on Saturday, April 26.