FOOTBALL: Thumbs up for Kellaway Park and Underlane

Both clubs have ambitions of moving up to the South West Peninsula League Premier and West Divisions respectively, which required their homes to be looked over by officials.

Grounds for both leagues have to meet certain criteria to be used and after weeks of waiting, the initial findings of the inspections were unveiled on Friday.

Athletic’s Kellaway Park was given the thumbs up with special dispensation towards their lack of floodlights, which the club are looking to install through a grant scheme over the next year alongside other improvements to the site.

Underlane, the home of Dron, also passed the tests meaning they can now be considered for promotion from the Jolly’s Combination League.

However, it was not such good news for Mullion who saw their SWPL West aspirations take a massive dent as Clifden Parc failed the inspection.

A final decision on the promotions will be made by the SWPL board next month.

Speaking to the Packet, Blues chairman Paul Hendy said he is incredibly proud to have seen Kellaway Park pass, adding it is now down to the team to finish off the job.

Hendy said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the inspection results and a lot of people have been working very hard to get the required work done.

“Should the league board give us the thumbs up next month, then it will trigger funding from the Football Foundation worth between £70,000 and £80,000 to support our ground redevelopment which will include floodlights being installed, a new grandstand and perimeter fencing.

“I am very proud of everything that has happened this season and we’ve had a lot of support from the second and third teams at the club along with the league, Football Foundation and Cornwall FA.

“It has been a family effort and now it is up to the first team to go and make history.”

Inspectors have passed Underlane, the home of Wendron United, for SWPL West matches.

Space is available for one team from SWPL West to be moved into the Premier Division.

League officials have also confirmed two slots are open for promotion into the West Division with a board meeting on May 14 to finalise the details.

Secretary Phil Hiscox said: “The criteria used for entry to Step Six is that clubs must be compliant with FA Grade H as a minimum and have active planning permission to install lights, and give an undertaking to achieve FA Grade G by March 31 next year.

“The criteria used for entry to Step Seven is that clubs must be fully compliant with the FA minimum criteria for playing at Step Seven as of the March 31 this year.

“For Premier Division applicants, one club from each of East and West can be promoted only. Elmore are regarded as the bottom club so relegation is reduced from two to one.

“In Division One East and West, two clubs only can be accepted each year, unless additional vacancies occur.

“Due to two withdrawals from Step Seven of Foxhole and Truro City since the last AGM, those two clubs are considered the relegated clubs under the league rules. No further clubs will be relegated this year.

“A further statement will be issued on May 14, after the board meeting, which will confirm the actual approved promotions and constitution for the 2015/16 Season.”

Helston currently sit in first place of the SWPL West, two points above St Dennis who beat them 2-1 after extra time in Wednesday’s Charity Cup semi final.

The Blues can secure the title on Saturday if they beat Holsworthy and the Saints fail to win at home against Bude Town.

Dron are second in the Combination League and can no longer win the title after Mullion beat Ludgvan 1-0 last night, meaning they cannot be surpassed at the top of the table.

Although United will not get their hands on the trophy, they could still be promoted despite the final position if the SWPL board agree to bring them into the West Division for 2015/16.