Bognor have been thrown an unexpected lifeline in their bid to stay in Blue Square south.

Defeat against Welling last Saturday appeared to have confirmed the Rocks’ relegation back to the Ryman League.

However, the announcement that Team Bath will pull out of the Conference at the end of the season means it is likely that only two teams will be relegated.

Team Bath – who are part of Bath University – are currently ninth in the table following promotion last year but are being forced to resign from the league as their constitution does not fall within Conference regulations.

The news gives added significance to tomorrow’s trip to Maidenhead with Bognor needing to win to keep their hopes of escaping the drop alive.

They are currently second from bottom and would need to overtake third-bottom Thurrock to earn any reprieve. Thurrock are 11 points ahead of the Rocks, who have only four games remaining, with a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Bognor assistant manager Kevin Braybrook has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.