Wimborne Step Up

WIMBORNE Town boss Matty Holmes hailed the “wonderful opportunity” of potential promotion to step three – a level the club has never reached in its 140-year history.

Magpies thought their hopes of going up had disappeared after they lost the Southern League West play-off final to Swindon Supermarine in May.

But Barnsley-based Shaw Lane’s withdrawal from the Northern League Premier Division had a knock-on effect around the country, with Wimborne offered promotion to the newly-formed Southern League South.

And although it is understood club officials accepted it, the decision is subject to ratification by the Football Association, as are possible switches for Banbury United, Hednesford Town, Fleet Town and FC Romania.

Banbury and Hednesford have signalled their intentions to appeal.

Reflecting on the unexpected development, Holmes told the Daily Echo: “I don’t want to see any club fold but a door has opened and this would be a wonderful opportunity for our football club.

“The club has not been at that level in its history and it would be great to the lead the team there.

“That’s what we strived to do, especially as our momentum increased last season. We were desperate to get up and it was heart-breaking to lose in the play-off final

Read More At: Dorset Echo