WARMINSTER Town will continue to play at Toolstation League First Division level next season after a successful appeal and have appointed Andy Crabtree as manager for next season.

The Red and Blacks, who finished bottom of the 22-team second tier of the league this past season, looked to be heading for Wiltshire League football next term following complex restructuring at Step Five level of the league pyramid.

Despite Almondsbury and Warminster's fellow Wiltshire side Malmesbury Victoria moving across to Division One West of the Hellenic League, the restructuring did not reprieve Town or second-from-bottom Portishead Town, who were earmarked for moves into the Wiltshire and Somerset county leagues respectively, while the Toolstation League First Division dropped to 18 teams.

However, appeals on behalf of both Warminster and Portishead were lodged to restore the Toolstation League to 40 clubs as a whole and their success ensures Warminster will continue at the same level of football next season.

Meanwhile, Town have enticed former boss Crabtree, who also guided Frome Town out of the Toolstation League and into the Southern League, back to lead them next term.

MORE ON THIS STORY IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES