Badshot Lea co-manager Gavin Smith has praised his side after the FA confirmed the Baggies’ promotion from the Combined Counties Premier Division South.

The Baggies finished in second place in the Combined Counties Premier Division South and were expecting a play-off game against a Step 4 side on Saturday for the chance to win promotion.

However, the Baggies had won their final four league games to pick up 94 points from their 38 matches, and those four wins proved crucial as the Baggies received news from the FA last Wednesday (April 26) that they had been promoted to Step 4 as one of the best second-placed teams.

It means the Baggies will play at Step 4 for the first time in their 116-year history next season, and Smith is looking forward to the new campaign.

“You never want to go stale as a club,” he said. “We will find our level at some point, but we want to do well in the league, have good cup runs and keep improving year on year.

“We’ve got a side who can compete at Step 4 level.

“Moving to our new ground at Westfield Lane a few years ago has really helped us as a club to push on.

“We deserve this promotion – 94 points is a great total.”

The Baggies will hope to round off their season with a cup, when they face Isthmian League side Westfield at Aldershot Town’s EBB Stadium in the Aldershot Senior Cup final next Tuesday (May 9). Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

“Westfield are a decent Step 4 side so it will be a good test for us,” said Smith.