STOCKTON Town are still awaiting a decision on whether they'll be allowed to play in Monday's Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off final after a second hearing following an FA charge.

The Anchors booked their place in Monday's final against Worksop thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Guiseley at the Map Group UK Stadium this week.

But an FA charge for fielding captain Adam Nicholson, who was ineligible to play the game, then followed.

Nicholson was sent off during last Saturday's home win over Hyde but played in Tuesday's semi-final win, with Stockton saying their understanding was that his suspension wasn't due to start until Saturday, May 3.

Stockton reiterated their belief that they'd "acted in line with the rules" as they formally responded to the FA charge in writing, before then attending an FA hearing on Friday afternoon.

A hearing with the Northern Premier League then took place on Saturday, with Stockton now waiting for a verdict.

It's down to the League, rather than the FA, to decide what happens next.

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The club released a fresh statement late on Saturday night, saying: "Stockton Town FC can confirm that the scheduled hearing with the Northern Premier League has taken place.

"We are now awaiting further communication, and will provide an update as soon as we are able to.

"Thank you for your continued patience and support."

Earlier this week, Worksop, who booked their place in the final with a victory over Ashton United, said in a statement: "We have been advised by the league that our opponents for the playoff final will not be confirmed until this weekend.

Worksop revealed earlier on Saturday that all home tickets for Monday's final have sold out.

The winners of Monday's final will win promotion to the National League North, where they'd join the likes of Darlington and Spennymoor.

Stockton were backed by a crowd of more than 2,000 on Tuesday night, with their victory secured thanks to a second half strike from Kev Hayes.