Lymington & New Milton's champagne title celebrations have fallen flat after they were dealt the bombshell news that they will not be promoted from the Sydenhams Wessex League.

In a scenario spookily similar to Winchester City's predicament last season, the Linnets have fallen short of the ground grading requirements needed for Ryman/Southern League football.

And in a further twist to the tale, Winchester themselves could now go up if they come safely through two play-off games.

Neil Hards' side, who finished second to the Linnets, had their Denplan City Ground headquarters re-inspected 12 days ago and were given the E-grade required for promotion.

It was confirmed last night that Winchester will play at Ryman 2 runners-up Enfield in the play-off semi-finals on a date to be arranged.

And should they win that, they would be away again to either FA Vase finalists Didcot Town or Combined Counties champions Walton Casuals.

It's heartbreaking news for Lymington, who spent nearly £5,000 last week carrying out the work they had been instructed to do after an initial inspection by FA and Southern League representatives at the beginning of April.

But, according to furious chairman John Mills, additional items appeared on the list when the final inspection was carried out by an Hellenic League official on Sunday.

Mills was today seeking clarification from the FA's Mike Appleby, who has overall control of non-League football.

"We're not sure of the facts yet," said an angry Mills yesterday. "But if an Hellenic League official has turned us down and opened the door for one of his own teams (Didcot), then that would really put the cat among the pigeons."

He pledged: "We're not going to take this lying down.

"The question's now been raised about fencing down one side of our ground, but when the guys from the Southern League and the FA came, they said it wouldn't be a problem."

Sunday's inspector also found fault with Lymington's dugouts and the hard standing behind them.

Mills said: "We did everything we were asked to do but we understand the ground has failed its inspection.

"It ruined my day on Sunday and I was that upset and angry that it took me two-and-a-half hours before I could break the news to our manager Ian Robinson.

"But, believe me, I shall be doing everything in my power to fight this."