Taunton Town will be playing Southern League football next season.

It follows the failure of Winchester City's appeal against the loss of three points and a £1,300 fine for playing an ineligible player.

If they had been successful, Taunton would have finished in the relegation zone in Division One South and West.

"It's obviously very good news for us," said Taunton chairman Tom Harris last night.

"We can now start planning for next season.Although we thought we were safe, there was always that slight doubt until it was made official."