Hebburn Town see promotion hopes ended - but Wembley dream remains alive

Kevin Bolam’s side were targeting success on two fronts and they looked well placed to secure one of the three promotion places on offer in Northern League Division One.

Ahead of the FA decision, Hebburn occupied the third and final promotion spot and held an eight-point advantage over fourth placed North Shields – although the Robins to hold three games in hand.

However, any thoughts of spending next season in a new-look step four division that was to be placed into the non-league system have been ended by the FA.

A statement read: “The FA and National League System steps three to six have reached a consensus that their 2019-20 season will now be brought to an end, and all results will be expunged.

“This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between NLS steps three to six, and no promotion to NLS step two.

“These decisions will also apply to the leagues and clubs who play at NLS step seven.”

There was some positive news for the Hornets as the governing body confirmed that they are “reviewing all options” to finalise their national competitions.

Hebburn were set for a two-legged FA Vase semi-final against Southern Counties East League outfit Corinthian before the coronavirus epidemic put a halt on the season.

But their Wembley dreams remain alive after the FA announced that they will look to complete the likes of the FA Cup, FA Trophy and the Vase.

An FA statement read: “With the Emirates FA Vase, Women’s FA Cup, Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase all at advanced stages, The FA is reviewing all options as we seek to complete these competitions whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

“Clubs involved are close to reaching a major final and for those clubs and supporters we will do all we can to keep the Wembley dream alive.”