Pelsall Villa face fine over false name farce

Club captain Ashley Bellingham, who is currently serving a five-game ban, featured in the 2-0 defeat to Bromsgrove Sporting on October 5. The central defender appeared on the teamsheet under the name Donald Mission – thought to be a cheeky reference to his nickname: 'Mission'. Incredibly, Incredibly, Bellingham was then sent-off during the game while playing under the pseudonym.

Villa were then rumbled when he was photographed playing in the game and fall-out from the incident triggered the shock resignation earlier this week of manager Craig Timmins – just four months after taking charge.

The club have been charged with fielding an ineligible player by the Midland Combination League and will also be charged by the Staffordshire County FA. Their punishment is likely to include a hefty fine.

Midland Combination secretary Nigel Woods said: "The club have been charged and they have admitted the charge.

"We are also looking into the existence of a Donald Mission – though that will be a separate investigation."

Villa announced Timmins' exit on Wednesday but gave no reason for his departure, which came ahead of tomorrow's FA Vase clash with Coventry Sphinx.

He was appointed in the summer following Mark Bentley's moved up to club development manager. Timmins, who began his career with Walsall, hit the headlines after it was revealed he once trained with David Beckham while on trial with LA Galaxy.

Bellingham was slapped with a five-game ban after picking up his second red card of the season last month. Bentley today admitted the incident was a factor in Timmins' departure and said: "It was a genuine mistake on the club's part and we are now waiting for the league to do as they see fit.

"We have done wrong but we have spoken to the league and they know what has been done by to make sure nothing like it happens again."