BANGOR City will remain in JD Cymru North following an arbitration hearing earlier today.

The Citizens’ have been handed a reprieve and won their appeal with to have their 21-point deduction completely restored.

This was originally a 42-point deduction implemented by the Football Association of Wales, which was halved on appeal that meant they avoided relegation from the Huws Gray Alliance on goal difference.

Their status was put in further jeopardy after the governing body issued City with an additional charge for an alleged ineligible player against Prestatyn Town, but this was found to be “not proven” at the hearing to ensure no further points were taken.

Chairman and manager Stephen Vaughan Jr, said: “It’s now time to start playing some football, to put this behind us and begin our League programme.

“I would just like to put on record how appreciative we are to Chris O’Neal who has represented the club throughout this process with absolute class.

“We’ve prepared well and the lads have been excellent in not letting anything but football come into their minds. They’re raring to go.”

Holywell Town have been informed of the developments regarding the verdict and will now formally begin their Welsh National League campaign at the earliest opportunity.

Llandyrnog United will remain in Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One and will now have their fixtures resumed in due course.

This represents a significant result for City following a troubled 18 months off the field, with a source stating they emerged from the meeting with “confidence” that all charges would be dropped and their points restored.

The FAW has the right to keep Bangor City’s suspension up to seven days following the hearing, so it is anticipated that their second-tier campaign can finally get underway next Saturday, pending approval.