All our member clubs backed Norton's promotion - says Kent League

NORTON SPORTS were promoted to the Kent League following last night's annual meeting at Lordswood Football Club.

The Vandanel Kent County League champions made their presentations to the member clubs of the Kent League before being accepted by an unanimous vote.

Kent League chairman Denise Richmond said: "It's excellent news for the club and is another big step forward after the successful promotion of Holmesdale last season.

"It was good to see the member clubs back the plans of the management committee.

"The other plus was that there were no negative comments from the clubs, it was all positive and that's good to hear.

"Norton were delighted to be promoted and we're looking forward to seeing them progress."

Norton will groundshare at Herne Bay next season while they continue to make progress to develop a long-term ground that meets the Kent League's criteria.

Norton told the meeting that they have a major sponsor for the next five years to help assist with the increased costs.

Meanwhile, Welling United’s reserve side were elected to Division Two, while the reserve sides of Croydon, Erith Town and Sittingbourne have all resigned from the League.

Clubs at the meeting have narrowly voted in favour of a proposal that the Premier Division Cup shall be decided on a straight knockout basis over two legs, home and away, for all games up to and including the semi-final from the much-maligned group stages.

Rumours that Mile End outfit Sporting Bengal United were to withdraw from the Kent League were untrue.

Kent League Premier Division Constitution 2008-2009:

Beckenham Town
Croydon
Deal Town
Erith & Belvedere
Erith Town
Faversham Town
Greenwich Borough
Herne Bay
Holmesdale
Hythe Town
Lordswood
Norton Sports
Sevenoaks Town
Slade Green
Sporting Bengal United
Tunbridge Wells
VCD Athletic

Article courtesy of www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk