NORTHWICH Victoria and Winsford United have both confirmed their appeals against lateral movement into the Midlands Football League have been rejected.

Last month, it was confirmed the neighbouring clubs - both long-time members of the NWCFL - had been moved laterally into a competition featuring teams mainly from Staffordshire and the West Midlands, a move that sparked outrage locally.

Both clubs confirmed their intention to appeal against the Football Association’s decision but now, it has been revealed their challenges have been dismissed.

The decision of the appeals board is final and binding and moving forward, the two clubs appear to be going down different routes.

Despite admitting their "extreme disappointment" at the FA's decision, Vics have indicated they will now prepare for life in the Midlands League.

However, Winsford have revealed they have applied to be relegated from Step Five in order to remain in the North West Counties League and – in their words – “save the club.”

A club statement says they could not see “a feasible way forward” in terms of competing in their new league and took the decision to apply for relegation “with great sadness and regret.”

“Over the past 24 hours, the club has received the devastating news that our recent appeal against lateral movement on the football pyramid was rejected,” the statement read.

“The FA have confirmed that should the club wish to remain at step 5, we will be playing in the Midland League next year as per the recently publicised allocations.

“In an emergency meeting last night, the club explored all options but do not see a feasible way forward for the club to compete in the geographical area of the Midland League.

“It’s therefore with great sadness and regret that we have today petitioned to be formally relegated to the NWC Division 1 with immediate effect in order to save our club

“We hope they can assist us and accept this request.

“At this point we would like to thank all of those wonderful people who helped during the appeal, your support meant everything

“As a club we have not reached this decision lightly, this is a decision that we feel is necessary in order to protect the existence of WUFC.

“We hope our fantastic supporters, volunteers, players and staff understand the reasons for this and stand by us.”

In their own statement, Vics say "a number of challenges" lie ahead in the coming days.

Read the Vics statement below