THE National League has hit Dulwich Hamlet with two charges and reminded Southport of potential consequences in response to the sides' stances on fulfilling fixtures.

South division outfit Dulwich's charges come following missed games against Braintree Town and St Albans City. The Hamlet say they are ceasing activity to protect the future of the club.

A number of clubs, including York City's scheduled weekend opposition Farsley Celtic, are taking a similar stance in not playing, citing financial and public health reasons.

By the league's rulebook, an unfulfilled fixture can result in a points deduction or expulsion from the competition, as well as the opposition being awarded points.

In a communique to Southport, the league wrote: "The league has been made aware you are considering not fulfilling a scheduled league fixture on Saturday, February 13. I am therefore required to remind you of the league rule 8.39, specifically:

"'Any club without just cause failing to fulfil an engagement to play a competition match on the appointed date shall for each offence be liable to expulsion from the competition and/or such other disciplinary action the board may determine, including the deduction of up to a maximum of three points from the offending club’s record, any expenses incurred by their opponents, and a fine.

"'In the event of a club being in breach of the previous paragraph of this rule then the board may award points to the club not at fault as if the match had been played and the league table shall reflect the position as if the match had been played with the result awarded by the board.'

"The league requires by 12pm Friday, February 12 your definitive position whether you are refusing to play a scheduled league fixture on Saturday, February 13 so the league can act accordingly."