ATHERTON Collieries’ first season in the BetVictor League Premier Division has been cancelled, with no promotion or relegations taking place.

After a meeting of National League System officials it was announced that the season has ended for clubs from non-league football steps three to six, with all results from the campaign so far expunged. Brad Cooke’s side compete in step three of non-league football but the season has now officially been brought to an end due to the coronavirus outbreak.

There will be no promotion or relegation of clubs between these divisions or relegation from step two, the National League North and South.

The decision means Colls will retain their Premier Division status for next season. They had been under the threat of relegation and, when matches were called off en masse earlier this month, occupied one of the step-three division’s relegation places, though they did have games in hand on all of the sides around them.

This had been an historic season for Colls, who last year had reached their highest place in the football pyramid by taking the First Division North West title ahead of Radcliffe, earning their third promotion in five seasons in the process.

In the North West Division, Ramsbottom United had been on course to challenge Workington for the title, sitting second and 10 points adrift of the leaders but with three games in hand.

The North West Counties League have also cancelled the current season, also with no promotion or relegation taking place and all results expunged.

Local sides in the league’s First Division North, Atherton LR and Daisy Hill, will remain in step seven for next season.

Rovers were fourth-bottom in the table while Daisy Hill were in mid-table at the close of play.