TAUNTON Town chairman Kevin Sturmey has slammed Cinderford's decision to refuse promotion to Southern Premier division, calling it 'a kick in the teeth' for his side.

Cinderford, the Division One S&W champions, last night confirmed they had written to the Southern League to request they remain in the division - but Sturmey, whose Peacocks side lost to Banbury United in the play-off final, tweeted: "Work so hard @TauntonTownFC all season, lose a play off final & now hear the news Cinderford refuse promotion is a kick in the teeth #wrong"

Town are now urging the Southern League to grant them promotion in place of Cinderford, with the likely option being a relegation reprieve for Devon side Bideford.

The club's official twitter account last night tweeted: "We are ready and prepared to go up please give us a chance! Reprieving an already relegated club is surely wrong? #peacocksforpromotion"

Since the end of the season, Cinderford have seen chairman Ashley Saunders step down, followed by the exit of assistant-manager Gerry Oldham and first team manager John Brough.

With the League constitution already agreed, Cinderford's decision means it's likely that either Histon or Bideford will be reprieved.