PLYMOUTH Albion will be interested in the outcome of Old Albanian RFC’s appeal against a five-point deduction for playing two ineligible players at the end of January.

The five points cost OA’s their place in National One, with Gloucestershire side Cinderford staying up by just one point.

However, following their relegation, OA’s have appealed the decision on the basis that Premiership club Gloucester were recently only given a suspended two-point deduction and a £5,000 fine for what they felt was a similar offence.

The appeal with be heard by the National Clubs’ Association on Thursday.

If OA’s are successful then it will mean be Albion will have to face them next season in National One instead of Cinderford.

It will also mean Plymouth would come up against former head coach James Shanahan, who returned to OA’s following his departure from Brickfields in April.

However, the make-up of National One might still not be confirmed on Thursday as even if Old Albanian are successful, Cinderford are likely to challenge the verdict. They are currently taking legal advice themselves.

As things stand the make-up of National One for the 2015/16 season is:  Albion, Rosslyn Park, Coventry, Fylde, Hartpury College, Blackheath, Richmond, Blaydon, Darlington MP, Esher, Wharfedale, Loughborough Students, Cinderford, Hull Ionians, Henley and Ampthill.

Meanwhile, Shanahan will be one of a number of former Albion players taking part in James Pritchard’s testimonial match at Bedford on Friday.

Pritchard spent a successful season at Plymouth during the 2004-05 season before top French club Perpignan signed him. He then went to Northampton Saints before returning to Bedford.

Shanahan, along with fellow former Albion players Emyr Lewis, Mark Kohler, Tyler Hotson and ex-city student Georgina Gulliver, will line-up for Pritchard’s invitational XV.

Pritchard and Ben Gulliver will start for the Bedford Blues Select XV.

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