WORCESTER City's bid for promotion has been boosted by the Midland Football League's decision to extend the season until Monday, May 7.

League chiefs aim to ensure there are full fixture lists in the Premier Division and Division One on both Saturday, May 5 and the Bank Holiday Monday that follows.

It means third-placed City have 32 days rather than 23 to play the remaining eight league fixtures after tonight's home clash with Westfields (7.45) in pursuit of the second promotion place.

The move is also an advantage for fourth-placed Highgate United who have 10 matches to fit into the same timeframe should tonight's trip to Stourport Swifts (7.45) go ahead.

Bromsgrove Sporting seem destined for the title with a seven-point cushion over second-placed Coleshill with both having have seven games to play.

Worcester trail Coleshill by seven points but have two games in hand. Highgate trail City by three points with two games in hand and trail Coleshill by 10 points with four games in hand.

According to FA rules for this season only, 12 of the 14 runners up with the best points-per-game record from the leagues at City's level will be promoted in order to create extra divisions at the two levels above.

But with three clubs set to drop out through Shortwood United’s voluntary relegation, the merger of Ossett Town and Ossett Albion and the planned closure of Thurrock, it is likely all of the second-placed teams will go up.

There is potential for third-placed teams to come into contention, although points-per-game records make that unlikely with the MFL currently being 10th in line.

A statement from the MFL read: "The board has decided to extend the season given the recent exceptional inclement weather we have experienced in the Midlands.

"The board has requested and been granted permission by the Football Association to extend the season with the last date being Monday, May 7 for Premier Division and Division One. The other divisions are to be concluded on Saturday, May 12.

"We have asked the fixture secretary to ensure there are full fixture lists on both Saturday, May 5 and Monday, May 7 and, wherever possible, all other divisions on Saturday, May 12."