HAYES & YEADING could throw the Football Association’s allocations into chaos after they launched an appeal against their relegation.
United were demoted out of the Skrill South on the league’s final day following a late 2-1 defeat at home to Dover.
A controversial Barry Cogan penalty three minutes from time not only sunk Phil Babb’s men, but catapulted the Whites into the play-offs – where three games later they sealed promotion.
Hayes have complained to the FA and to the Conference because of a reprieve handed to Skrill North side Oxford City.
Oxford, who ended the season in that league’s bottom three, escaped relegation because of Vauxhall Motors‘ decision quit the national divisions and move to regional football. Vauxhall ended the year seven points clear of the drop-zone but still fell on their sword.
But the Skrill South club claim they should benefit from a reprieve because they won 45 points, compared to Oxford City’s 37.
Hayes believe the two divisions must be treated as one step and the team with the most points on the board over the two given a stay of execution.
Conference spokesman Colin Peake confirmed: “This is more of an issue for the Football Association than the Football Conference but I can confirm an appeal has been lodged.
“I would imagine the FA will be wanting it heard sooner rather than later, as clubs will be waiting on the outcome – this week’s allocations are all subject to appeal.
“The situation is regarding who stays up and Hayes & Yeading believe it should be them because of the fact if one teams stays up, the club with most points over the two divisions should. It is complicated but time will tell what happens.”
The NLP understands that a lot hinges on the actual date Vauxhall Motors officially resigned from the league – which is said to be up in the air after the Chester City affair of 2010.
The Football Conference announced in April that there would only be two teams relegated from the Skrill North following
A Hayes spokesman said: “The club can confirm that it has made representations to both the Football Association and the Football Conference regarding the application of the regulations for the operation of the Non-League system in respect of relegations from step two for season 2013/14.
