Appeal ruling keeps promotion dream alive

The Football Association has ruled that Maidstone United can take part in the end of season play-offs and the Ryman League is backing the governing body’s decision to allow the Kent club to compete for promotion.

Maidstone United won the right to enter the play-offs should they finish high enough at an appeal hearing at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday. With the Football Conference’s current ban on artificial turf pitches still in place after the competition’s clubs voted against lifting it in January, the club had been set to be excluded from the Ryman Premier’s play-offs.

Following the removal of that obstacle, the club is now expected to lobby the Football Conference again to reconsider its stance, a move that will be supported by the Ryman League.

Ryman League Chairman Alan Turvey and Vice Chairman Nick Robinson both attended the appeal and will now support the club’s ambitions following the key ruling.

Chairman Alan Turvey said: "The Ryman League is entirely satisfied with the decision and we support the policy of the Football Association towards artificial turf pitches.

"If Maidstone United go on to qualify for the play-offs and subsequently win promotion we sincerely hope that the Football Conference will consider this decision by the FA and its publically stated support for artificial turf pitches and allow the club to play in the competition next season."