TIVIDALE are facing another season in the West Midlands Premier League after a promotion appeal was rejected by the Football Association.

Dale appealed a decision by the FA to promote Midland Football League counterparts Ilkeston at their expense.

Both sides finished second in their respective leagues but an extra place went to Ilkeston instead.

Club officials travelled to Wembley Stadium on Tuesday to put their case forward but came away empty handed as the original decision was upheld.

The FA found that Midland Football League Division One has a direct link with the Midland Football League Premier Division, whereas the West Midlands Premier acts as an independent step six competition.

However, the panel has urged the FA Leagues Committee to consider the anomaly and investigate ways that the system could be made equal.

Tividale general manager Leon Murray said: "It is disappointing but at least the situation will be looked at now.

"Hopefully the fact that Tividale raised this anomaly with the FA means that other teams can benefit in the future.

"It is something that clearly needs to be sorted out because it doesn't bode well for the future of the West Midlands League. Teams are going to want to be playing in the Midland Football League instead because it is clear that they would have a better chance of promotion.

"We won't let this spoil what was a really good season for us and we'll take it on the chin and look to continue building on what we have already done.

"Wherever we finish next season we'll be happy as long as we know the criteria we are working towards."