The hard graft by working parties to make sure Witham Town’s Village Glass Stadium meets the Ryman League’s stipulations for premier division football has been rewarded.

With Witham’s place in the premier division still to be decided on the pitch, their ground is at least fit for the top-flight.

A ground assessor has given them the green light so that if manager Garry Kimble and his team beat the drop back into division one north, they will be permitted to stay up next season.

And the Town boss hopes that work by staff and fans will inspire his players in their final five games of the campaign – starting with Saturday’s home game against Dulwich Hamlet.

Kimble said: “On a personal note, I really appreciate everything the club has done in getting the C-grading.

“I know the players appreciate it as well.

“Mark Nicholls and his team have done a fantastic job and we really thank them all for what they have done.

“Hopefully it all gives the players a lift heading into our final five games of the season.

“The club have done it off the park and now it’s up to us to do it on the park.”