ROBINS GET THE GREEN LIGHT

MARC NASH believes North Shields have been a victim of their own success after having to call on the Football Association to help them preserve their Step 4 status.

- Mark Carruthers

The Robins are currently awaiting a response from the governing body after revealing they had belatedly raised funds to help bring their Daren Persson Stadium home up to standard after a previous appeal failed.

After securing promotion into the Northern Premier League East Division last season, the north east outfit had looked to raise up to £50,000 to upgrade their home ground and bring it in line with Step 4 criteria.

However, when their attempts fell short there were genuine fears the 2015 FA Vase winners could be forcibly relegated back into the Northern League for next season.