The Football Association has today announced that Tow Law Town will be promoted to Ebac Northern Football League Division One following the resignation of Ryhope CW from the league at the end of last month.

Ryhope’s resignation left the step 5 division with 19 teams for the 2022-23 season, but today’s announcement means that it can now run with a full complement of 20.

Tow Law were picked, ahead of the relegated Billingham Town and the third-placed Boldon CA, after finishing as the losing finalist in the Division Two promotion play-offs.

The decision means that Division Two will run with 21 clubs for the new season – as it did last season.

Ebac Northern League Division One: Ashington, Bishop Auckland, Carlisle City, Crook Town, Guisborough Town, Heaton Stannington, Newcastle Benfield, Newton Aycliffe, Northallerton Town, Penrith, Pickering Town, Redcar Athletic, Seaham Red Star, Sunderland RCA, Thornaby, Tow Law Town, West Allotment Celtic, West Auckland Town, Whickham, Whitley Bay.

Ebac Northern League Division Two: Bedlington Terriers, Billingham Synthonia, Billingham Town, Birtley Town, Blyth Town, Boldon CA, Boro Rangers, Brandon United, Chester-le-Street Town, Chester-le-Street United, Easington Colliery, Esh Winning, Horden CW, Jarrow, Newcastle University, Prudhoe YC Seniors, Redcar Town, Ryton & Crawcrook Albion, Sunderland West End, Washington, Willington.

Fixtures are due to be released soon after the Northern Football League’s AGM, which is due to be held in Crook on June 18. The 2022-23 season is scheduled to begin on July 30.