Sinton tells AFC Telford to finish the Blue Square job

Boss Andy Sinton today challenged AFC Telford United to "finish the job" - after seeing their play-off place confirmed by Eastwood's failed appeal against expulsion.

Eastwood, the Blue Square Bet North's form team after going unbeaten in 16 games, were told by league officials that they could take no part in the play-offs because of ground issues - a verdict backed by an FA tribunal yesterday.

It means sixth place will now be good enough for the end-of-season promotion shoot-out should the Badgers finish in the top five, and the Bucks' present points tally of 75 cannot be overhauled by anyone outside the top six.

"Part one of the job is done but part two is still to be completed," said Sinton.

"From a football point of view I feel very sorry for Eastwood because they've been on a hell of a run, but rules are rules.

"The main thing for us now is to finish these last three games strongly.

"I think 99 per cent of rational people would have taken the position we are in now.

"If someone had said at the start of the season we would be in the play-offs I'd have paid money for it and, in my mind, we are ahead of schedule.

"I'm certainly proud of what we've done already —but having got so close I'd like to finish the job — and that means getting out of the league."

Nottinghamshire side Eastwood had believed they had a good chance of over-turning the league decision to rule them out of the play-offs.

But a statement on their website last night declared: "After a two hour hearing with the Football Association, and genuinely believing that Eastwood Town had the significant stronger case both morally and legally, it was decided by the Football Association to dismiss the appeal."

l The Bucks still have a slim chance of winning the title, Alfreton missing the chance to wrap it up last night when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Harrogate.

But, with a vastly superior goal difference to the Bucks, they now need just one more point from their remaining three games.

By CHRIS HUDSON