Kent Football United appeal against demotion: We believe very strongly in we will not let our hard work to this date be undone

KENT FOOTBALL United have submitted an appeal this afternoon after being demoted from the Southern Counties East Football League First Division.

On the pitch manager Ennio Gonnella guided the Dartford based club to a seventh-placed finish but on the pitch the club have been punished for their complacency.

Kent Football United and Crockenhill have failed to comply with ground grading criteria and as a result the pair will be playing their football in the Kent County League Premier Division next season.

A statement issued by Kent Football United said: “Club can confirm as of 2:20pm this afternoon we have officially appealed our relegation from the Southern Counties East Football League First Division.

“With extenuating circumstances we believe very strongly in we will not let our hard work to this date be undone and hope fellow clubs would understand that due to a building firm coming involved adjacent to land we are situated on, we were forced in February to abandon plans for grant and self-fund everything.

“Our stand is near completion and lights have been on site since March. We would not want our club to lose its place due to a building firm.

“To confirm the appeal to The FA League’s committee re the League constitution sent today ONLY effects the first team at the football club. It does not affect the ladies or youth sections.

“We will update as soon as we have a response from The FA appeals committee.”

Crockenhill finished at the foot of the table, losing 33 of their 36 games and conceded an embarrassing 173 goals in the league this season.

The club have failed to install floodlights at their Wested Meadow ground over the years and after many stay of executions they have deservedly lost their league status.