By Matthew Panting

Welling have been deducted five points by the Football Conference after appearing at a misconduct hearing on Thursday.

The Wings were in the dock after providing inaccurate financial returns to the league in connection to the outstanding HMRC debt. As a result they were also handed a suspended fine of £5,000.

Commenting on the admitted misconduct charge and the points deduction, Welling joint-owner Barrie Hobbins (pictured) said: "The club admitted that as a result of placing reliance on promised investment throughout the 2009/2010 season, and again during pre-season for this campaign, it not only fell behind on its HMRC liabilities but submitted inaccurate financial returns to the Football Conference.

"As soon as it became evident that the promised investment would not materialise, we made the Football Conference fully aware of the position and admitted the charges that were laid against us. We are sorry that we got ourselves into this position, despite our best intentions at all times.

"As to whether the deduction of five points is a proportionate and reasonable sanction in the circumstances, we will need to reflect and take advice from our lawyers.

"We have been advised as to our right of appeal and the relevant timings of that. We are obviously hugely disappointed to receive a points deduction of any number, but need a period of reflection."

The Conference have, however, allowed the Wings to re-register Loick Pires and Lee Clarke and they have released the £8.000 solidarity money to help the Wings pay the HMRC petition debt.

Mr Hobbins added: "The financial plight of the club is assisted by the reduction in the petition debt and we must now all focus our efforts on ensuring we are in a position to secure the club's survival before December 1, 2010.

"Once again, we would like to thank the fabulous efforts of our supporters, players and all connected to the club during this difficult period."