Rebels take over Vics' berth in the play-offs

 Source: MEN

 FC United are to take part in the Evo-Stik Premier promotion play-offs after all – despite having failed to qualify in their own right.

The Rebels, who just missed out on a top-five qualification spot in finishing sixth, are now preparing for a semi-final trip to Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley on Saturday.

It comes after league bosses last night confirmed FC are to take the place of runners-up Northwich Victoria in the contest to decide who accompanies champions Chester in going up to Blue Square Bet North.

The league management’s announcement follows an FA appeal panel decision to support their move to bar Vics from the play-offs for breaking three of the competition’s financial rules.

Northwich have, however, won their fight against expulsion from the league on the same grounds, with the FA ruling they should instead be relegated to either Evo-Stik North or South.

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Meanwhile, at a separate Wembley hearing, the FA rejected Woodley Sports’ appeal against being booted out of Evo-Stik North following their failure to achieve the necessary ground grading.

The Stockport club, whose Neil Rourke Stadium is currently undergoing an £8.6m re-development, will now be relegated to a level to be determined by the FA.

Stalybridge Celtic’s bid to win the Cheshire Senior Cup for the first time in 11 years ended in heartache as they crashed 1-0 to Nantwich in last night’s final at Chester’s Deva Stadium.

Bridge fell to Michael Lennon’s 26th-minute strike but wasted a host of chances to equalise with Rhys Meynell hitting the bar and Dennis Sheriff pulling a shot wide when it seemed he must score.