Swindon Supermarine's titanic battle against the drop has been rendered pointless following the resignation of Bilston Town from the Dr Martens League.

Marine staged a magnificent recovery to pull away from the one relegation berth in the Western Division, which was eventually filled by Rocester.

But the demise of cash-strapped Bilston means that no team will face the drop into the feeder leagues.

Rocester will retain their place in the Western Division, and Marine's stunning comeback was all in vain.

Hunts Copse boss John Murphy was exasperated when the Adver broke the news to him.

He said: "I can't believe it after all that.

"It's a real shame, not only for us, but for Bilston.

"I've always enjoyed going there and they will be a big loss to the league.

"You could look at it and say that all we've gone through has been a waste of time, but the club has gained a great deal of credibility with the way we performed in the final weeks of the season."

There were originally two relegation places earmarked in the Western Division, but Bloxwich United pulled out of the league mid-season, before Bilston followed suit last week.

With no sides to go down, Marine are likely to be joined by Taunton and Bromsgrove next season both of whom gained promotion from the feeder leagues.