NORTH Leigh are set to contest the Pitching In Southern League Division 1 Central play-offs for the first time in their history after Welwyn Garden City were kicked out.

The Hertfordshire club have been blocked from the promotion shootout because their Herns Lane home does not meet FA ground grading standards.

It comes 24 hours after Welwyn snatched fifth place from North Leigh on the final day of the season, winning 7-1 at Kidlington as the Millers went down 3-2 at Colney Heath.

On Friday, the Citizens were told an appeal over their ground grading status had been upheld, but the FA wrote to them today saying they would not be allowed to take part in the play-offs.

The Southern League has since said Welwyn can appeal this latest decision.

As it stands, North Leigh will go to second-placed Berkhamsted on Tuesday evening after achieving the highest league finish in their history.

The Millers said they ‘will not be commenting on the misfortunes of one of our fellow clubs’.

Welwyn Garden City vice-chairman Dave Coates said in a statement: "On Friday we had an appeal in regard to our ground grading. Our appeal was successful but the process was not concluded.

"The FA have written to us today and advised us that we have been granted some additional time to attain our grade D ground grading status.

"However, we are not permitted to play in the forthcoming play-offs.

"We are disappointed to hear this news after being so elated yesterday."

North Leigh were fifth heading into their final-day trip to Colney Heath, who were already relegated and had won just six times all season.

They twice went ahead before the break through Ben Brown and Roger James, but the hosts responded both times and scored the crucial third goal with 17 minutes left.