A Cumbrian football club has apologised after fielding three players with false names in a recent game.

Westmorland Football League club Brough FC were fined £150 by the league after being found to have fielded ringers in their victory over Endmoor Reserves.

The result of the game - a 3-1 Brough victory - has also been wiped with their opponents awarded a 3-0 win instead.

Brough have now issued an apology and explanation for the circumstances that saw them fall foul of a league investigation.

Writing on Twitter, the club said: "We would like to apologise to Endmoor KGR Reserves and the Westmorland Football League.

"During last Saturday’s game we played three unregistered local players under different names. We took this action so we did not have to cancel another game after a several players were unavailable for the match.

"As a club we acknowledge and accept that this was not the right thing to do on the day. We respect the Westmorland Football League's rules and see the importance of registering players. Brough FC takes full responsibility.

"We value the support of the people of Brough and the surrounding areas, and we thank you all for your support to help get this club up and running throughout its first season. We could not have got this far without you.

"We still need players and committee members to help get this club up and running properly, so please come down to training on Thursdays from 6.30-8.00 if you would be interested in playing. If you have any queries regarding a role within the club message our page.

"We are ready to focus on this weeks game against Penrith Royals and hope you can come and support the team. Our sincerest apologies - he committee of Brough Community Football Club."

The initial victory over Endmoor was Brough's first win of the season after the amateur club reformed last year.

They sit bottom of Westmorland League Division Three.

A league spokesman had said about the recent controversy: “Following [the] match, it was brought to the attention of the committee that Brough FC may have fielded ineligible players in their match day squad.

“Upon investigation, it was found that this was the case — Brough playing three players who were not registered with them, two of whom are currently registered with another club in the Westmorland League. All three were played under false names.

“The executive committee discussed this at our meeting last night and, in line with our published rules and fines tariff, have decided the following: Brough FC be fined £150; the original result of the game is annulled; Endmoor Reserves are awarded a 3-0 walkover win.”