Pitchero Non League

The Moor Lane side finished fourth in the Magna Dorset Premier League last season, entitling them to play in the Toolstation Western League. One of the conditions for sides playing in the higher league is that clubs have floodlights at their grounds to allow midweek matches.

However, despite valiant efforts from Wincanton's committee, supporters and players, the club was unable to secure planning permission for floodlighting in time to secure funding for the improvements.

It also ran into legal complications concerning the lease at Wincanton Sports Ground. A covenant on the land needs to be rewritten to allow floodlights.

Club chairman Matt Isaacs said: "The club is very disappointed with the outcome, particularly as so much work has gone into achieving the promotion, the fundraising and the time and effort that has been put into the planning process.

"It meant a lot to us all, but it was not for a want of trying, we just kept hitting obstacle after obstacle.

"In spite of this we are looking forward to playing in the Magna Dorset Premier League next season with the anticipation of achieving promotion again and perhaps even winning the league.

"We have every confidence in our players. Now that we have gone through some of the process required by the Toolstation Western League, we will be in a better position to fulfill our site improvements and take that promotion next year."

The floodlights would have also given the club the chance to set up and enter an under 18s team into the Somerset Floodlight Youth League.

In a bid to secure promotion the club received help from the Toolstation Western League and the Football Foundation.

Isaacs added: "On behalf of the club I would like to thank all those that have been involved and for their help and support."

The club is still awaiting the completion of the floodlights planning application, expected on July 3rd.

If permission is granted it is hoped work on laying hard standing, moving railings, and improving the dugouts can go ahead. The club hopes it can get the infrastructure in order to avoid the same problems suffered this year.