BOLTON Wanderers will avoid a further points deduction if they can continue to fulfil their fixtures, the EFL has ruled.

A five-point sanction for failing to play two matches has been suspended for 18 months.

Oxford United were the first team to play Wanderers at home after their takeover, drawing 0-0 against a side which had been significantly strengthened on transfer deadline day following a takeover.

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The Sky Bet League One club were issued with a 12-point penalty during the summer for going into administration.

But there was always a threat of further punishments for failing to play two matches.

The meeting with Brentford on the final day of last season never went ahead amid chaotic circumstances.

Wanderers also took the decision to postpone their clash against Doncaster Rovers in August due to welfare concerns, as a lack of senior players was forcing them to largely field a team of youth players.

After considering the evidence, an EFL disciplinary commission has tonight ruled the punishment for the Brentford game should be a two point deduction, while the Doncaster decision is worth three points.

But the penalty will only be enforced if Wanderers are hit by another misconduct charge in the next 18 months.

Half of the £70,000 fine is also suspended for the same period, while the fixture with Doncaster will be rearranged.

It leaves Bolton bottom of the table 12 points from safety, but with three games in hand on their relegation rivals.