EVESHAM United look set for life in Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South next season after a shock late switch which has left the club’s bosses fuming.

The Robins have 14 days to appeal against today’s decision by the Football Association to take them out of the Southern League Division One South and West.

And “unhappy” chairman Jim Cockerton confirmed the club, who finished two points outside the play-off places last season, were “considering their options”.

The dramatic move comes after Cinderford Town refused to be promoted to the Southern Premier League due to financial reasons.

The FA Alliance Allocations Group say they “considered all options open to it under the under the FA Regulations for the Operation of the National League System”.

A spokesman from the Southern League also admitted they “deeply regretted” moving Evesham, who now have been handed the chance to challenge the decision.

Cockerton said: “I am not happy, we are gutted and we are considering our options.

“Once I knew that Cinderford had not taken promotion I was aware of the situation and knew that changes in the league could see us move north.

“I was the most relieved man when the confirmation of the leagues came out to say that we were staying where we were.

“But now this has happened.

“In my opinion, Cinderford should take promotion or get out, but they are not the rules.”

It also means the club will miss out on plumb ties against Hereford and Salisbury and instead face trips to Sheffield side Stocksbridge Park Steels and Barnsley-based Shaw Lane Aquaforce.

Cockerton added: “It is going to cost us quite a lot of extra money to stay in the same level.

"When you go into the Premier Division, you expect to pay more, but we are going to have to pay more for staying in the same level.”

A spokesman for the Southern League said: “While the Southern League welcomes the return of Corby Town to its membership, it deeply regrets that Cinderford’s late decision has resulted in the lateral movement of Evesham United to the Northern Premier League.

“We can only wish them the very best of luck and success and look forward to them returning to the Southern League fold at some time in the future.”