NORTHWICH Victoria have won an appeal against the Football Conference’s decision to kick them out of the competition.

Owner Jim Rushe has confirmed the game’s governing body had overruled the league’s verdict.  “I’m absolutely buzzing,” he said.

An FA panel told him Andy Preece's men will start next season in Blue Square North with a 10-point deduction.

A statement said: “The Football Conference Limited considered the Club was not eligible for membership of the Competition for the 2009/2010 season following the Insolvency Event suffered by the Club in May 2009.

"The Football Association Panel upheld the Club’s Appeal, but amended the Football Conference’s decision.

"The Panel determined, in this case, the club was eligible for membership but decided it should start next season in Conference North on minus ten points.”

Meanwhile Hinckley United have tied down five key players for the 2009/10 season.

Andy Hall, Andy Gooding, Connor Franklyn, Chris Mackenzie and Richard Lavery have all agreed to stay in what is seen as a major boost for the club.

United manager Dean Thomas is also looking add a few more players to his squad ahead of next season.

Thomas told the Coventry Telegraph: "There are a lot of players still available and they are having to be realistic about their demands this season.

"Two of our key players from last season - Andy Gooding and Andy Hall - both came along in pre-season so you never know what we may discover then.

"I'm hoping to link up closely with Leicester City and bring in some of their younger players on loan deals and we have other irons in the fire.

"I hope to get an experienced centre half to put pen-to-paper this weekend and if we get him on board then it will be a real boost.

"Whoever signs for us this season will know what we expect in terms of passion and commitment for Hinckley United Football Club."

Vauxhall Motors have completed the signing of Brian Moogan from Burscough.

The 24-year-old, who captained Burscough last season, rejoins the club ahead of the 2009/10 campaign.

The former Everton trainee made 103 appearances during his first spell at the club and says he is ready to reproduce the form which earned him a move to the Linnets in 2007.

Moogan scored a spectacular free-kick against the Reds towards the end of last season.

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