Derby days set to continue

11:45am Friday 16th May 2008

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VICS should face rivals Alty again next season after Halifax were kicked out of the Blue Square Premier.

The Shaymen learned their fate following a meeting of Football Conference bosses on Wednesday, leaving Graham Heathcote's men likely to get a third successive reprieve.

Confirmation should come at the league's annual meeting next month.

"We have today received notice from the FA informing us that Halifax will not appear in the club listings for Steps 1-4 of the Football Pyramid," read a statement on the Yorshire club's website today, Friday.

"This is because we are still a member of the Football Conference and the Leagues Committee is not able to confirm our placing until matters are resolved."

At the moment their best hope appears to be a spot in UniBond League Division One North.

Halifax's demise should ensure two Cheshire derbies on the fixture list for next season despite Alty finishing in the bottom four.

Manager Graham Heathcote is pressing ahead with plans for another campaign in non league football's top tier.

He has released three players already, including ex-Northwich winger Carlos Roca.