AFC Wimbledon chairman Erik Samuelson nearly fell of his chair after hearing the Dons were to have their 18 point deduction slashed.

After today's (Monday) FA appeal the Dons have had their 18 point deduction slashed by 15 points to just three after Soho Square officials deemed the Ryman League's punishment too harsh.

Samuelson admits that he was stunned after the chairman of the appeal committee confirmed the reduced point deduction.

"To be completely honest I didn't hold out much hope for the appeal. When I first heard him read out the decision I just thought to myself pardon'. Then we looked to the reaction of everyone else in the room and thought yes' I heard it right.

"I then saw the chairman of the appeal committee afterwards and I had to double check with him again that what we heard was correct."

And the chairman admits his mobile phone went into overdrive after the FA's decision.

"I just rang and texted as many people as possible. I wanted to thank everybody who has campaigned for us. I'm not just elated by it all, but I'm moved by the support and effort that everyone has made for us.

"We are just delighted that there's now some sense of justice given what happened to this club five years ago."