ST ASAPH City are back on course to meet new tier three criteria in time for the deadline next month.

The Saints’ ability to adhere to the Football Association of Wales regulations was put in significant doubt after flooding significantly damaged their playing surface and clubhouse earlier this year.

After a superb effort from volunteers and generosity of businesses, things are now looking up for the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One side.

Manager Daniel Brewerton, said: “The ground improvements after the flood are coming along well.

“The instant support we had through donations meant that we were able to continue with the planned work, 360 Groundcare have done a tremendous amount for us too, with all the voluntary work they have done for us the pitch is looking good so that’s a big relief for us.

“The building has been fully cleared out and the dryers have all been removed now, we’re just waiting on the insurance company so we can start having the flooring all re-done and the new kitchen done. We’re also going to have to replace some of the doors and frames that buckled under the weight of the water.”

Work is also progressing well on a new stand at the ground that is a critical part of the new criteria, with the FAW extending the deadline until May 21 to give clubs more time due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“All the frame-work for the stand is up and starting to take shape, once that is complete we only need the PA system installed and that’s everything we need,” added Brewerton.

“I have to say the local support we’ve had after the flood has made this possible, and we can’t thank them enough. The final piece is to find a sponsor for the naming of the stand, this will give us the security we need after the financial commitment we made to continue playing in tier three.”

Brewerton also shared his thoughts on the possible cancellation of the 2019/20 domestic football season this week, saying: “My opinion on the season's outcome is probably a bit controversial, but I believe it should be cancelled and start a new season whenever it is safe to do so.

“This situation we are in is hitting people hard in many different ways. I think people and communities are going to need time to recover from all of this.

“I understand that teams have put a lot of time and effort into the season and will want to finish it for their own reasons but the knock-on effect could last a long time.”