Chasetown FC have been handed an unexpected lifeline in their bid to avoid relegation.

The Scholars looked doomed after a 2-2 draw against North Ferriby United this afternoon meant midweek results could send them down without kicking a ball.

However, the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League announced earlier today that second-placed Northwich Victoria would be expelled from the division at the end of the season due to breaches of financial rules.

The news means three teams rather than four are likely to be relegated.

Burscough have already seen their drop confirmed, meaning two from four teams are likely to be battling it out to stay in the division, with Stocksbridge Park Steels likely to be safe following the Northwich decision.

As it stands:

Pos Team Played Points GD
17 Stocksbridge Park Steels 40 42 -12
18 Whitby Town 40 41 -26
19 Chasetown 41 40 -25
20 Frickley Athletic 40 38 -22
21 Mickleover Sports 41 37 -21
22 Burscough 40 24 -50

A statement from the league said: “Northwich Victoria Football Club have been found guilty of failing to comply with League Rules relating to financial matters.

“The membership of the Northern Premier League has been terminated with effect from the end of the current playing season and the club will not be allowed to participate in this seasons promotion play-offs.”

The news means that as well as keeping a close eye on Whitby Town’s trip to Matlock on Wednesday, the Scholars will also have a keen eye on Frickley’s trip to Rushall Olympic on Tuesday.

Should Frickley fail to win, the result means that a victory at basement side Burscough on the final day of the season would be enough to ensure survival for Chasetown if the league reduce the number of relegation berths in the wake of the expulsion.

However, Northwich can still appeal the decision, meaning that if midweek results go against the Scholars they could still find themselves slipping through the trap door.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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Will.I.Ay
11 years ago

Wouldn’t go counting any chickens yet, they could easily do it on points-per-game over the whole level or reprieve a club in the step above.

Chaz
11 years ago

Oh heck! Was hoping that fc manchester team would stay in the league below where they lay at present: i live close to a ground in the conference north and in no way do i look forward to rebel club mancunians decending on our quiet outback singing, chanting and displaying their anti- capitalist regalia around our parts. Vote Tory.

les x
11 years ago

will fc united enter the playoffs iff northwich victoria are banned