A FOOTBALL Association U-turn has seen a pair of Cotswold clubs promoted into Uhlsport Hellenic League (UHL) Division One West.

Division Two West champions Moreton Rangers and fifth-placed Bourton Rovers will boost the numbers to 16 teams despite initially being told they would not be allowed up.

The Division One West set-up was light with Malvern Town and various Herefordshire clubs moving over from the West Midlands League.

Moreton had been originally refused promotion despite having the facilities to play at step six level as Division Two West is not a formal part of the FA’s National League System.

A Bourton statement said: “A massive achievement by the club and a historic move for those involved.

“Having spent the last few years in West Two, winning the league once and coming very close on other occasions, we are truly proud to receive this news.

“We must not forget the club is made up of more than just the first team, it’s made up of two other cup-winning teams and many volunteers, committee members and spectators that have made this club what it is today.

“Congratulation also to Moreton Rangers — a great time for football in the north of the Cotswolds.”

League CEO Brian King said: “Since the original placements some weeks ago a lot has happened to the allocated clubs that were 29 in total.

“Many changes have happened following representation by UHL chairman Bob Dalling and myself, including telephone calls to Estonia where one particular FA officer was located with the England C squad.

“Bob and I exerted as much pressure as we were able to possibly use to illicit changes in the numbers in Division One East and West.

“This week we were advised that four clubs have been elevated to assist with vacancies in the UHL step six divisions which increases the total number of clubs to 34.”

As well as Rangers and Rovers, Stonehouse Town are promoted from the Gloucestershire County League with Kidlington moving to Division One East.