CHALFORD AFC have urged the Gloucestershire FA to "revaluate their promotion criteria" after denying the club promotion into the County League. 

Chalford finished top of the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League in 2022/23 after going through the campaign unbeaten with 25 wins and three draws from their 28 matches. 

Despite having three feeder leagues, there were only two places for promoted sides into the County League and so Chalford went into play-offs with Avonmouth and Hanham Athletic, losing both 1-0 and 3-2 respectively. 

But the club's grief comes at the FA for only giving two promotion slots up, especially given Charlford won the league.

A club statement on their official Facebook page said: "Unbelievable! We gave our all, going unbeaten in every single game of the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League. But to our dismay, the Gloucestershire FA has failed to recognize our efforts and denied us promotion.

"It's not just a disappointment for us, but it undermines the whole pyramid system of football that aims to reward progress and excellence.

"We have the facilities, the squad, and the drive to compete at a higher level. Our unbeaten record is a testament to our capabilities, and denying us the opportunity to showcase our skills at a more challenging level is a blow to our aspirations, Chalford AFC and the efforts of the community.

"It's time for the Gloucestershire FA to reevaluate their promotion criteria and take into account the achievements and potential of teams like ours.

"Let's ensure that the true essence of grassroots football is preserved, where hard work and talent are recognized and rewarded. We deserve a fair chance to rise."

The news comes after it was announced by the Wiltshire Senior League that Cirencester Town Development would be placed into their Premier Division, which was the last chance for Chalford to gain promotion.

There was talk of Ciren Devs dropping into the County League, which would have given the league scope to run with an additional team, for an even 18-team division.

But the league will remain at 16 teams for the new season and the FA have decided not to promote Chalford and Almondsbury relegated to replace the promoted Cribbs Reserves.