THE manager of Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts admits that he's keeping everything crossed that they will be be promoted for next season.

Grant Brough believes that his players "deserve the opportunity" to play East of Scotland Premier Division football after proposals to bring the season to a conclusion were backed by clubs.

Just three of its 40 members voted against the campaign being ended immediately, while 29 agreed to the league committee's plan to determine final places on a points per game average; that there would be no relegation from the Premier Division; and that the winners of First Division Conference A, and Conference B, would both be promoted.

That meant Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale and Tynecastle will join Crossgates Primrose in the Premier Division, and they could be joined by the Swifts.

Bo'ness United were declared winners of the Premier Division and, if the Lowland League decide to promote them, they would be replaced by the Conference runners-up who have the highest points per game average – which is Inverkeithing.

Before play was stopped – in only their second season as a senior football club – they had accumulated 45 points from 20 games, were four points clear of third-top Glenrothes with a game in hand, and had the division's best defensive record outside runaway champions Tynecastle.

Speaking to Press Sport, Brough commented: "It doesn't guarantee promotion, however, based on the options available, this was the fairest.

"Under the league rules, three promotion spots are made available. We're desperate to go up, and if we do I'll be absolutely delighted, but 20 other clubs could argue another solution suited them better.

"It's out of our league's hands; it will be the Lowland League whether Bo'ness go up. I think Bo'ness have to go up because they have been declared the winners, irrespective of how it affects us.

"It's not the way we would have wanted to gain promotion; we would want to do it on the park. There will be teams like Glenrothes, who were four points behind us, although we have a game in hand, who might look at it and say that they only need to lose three games and we're back in it.

"They've missed that wee chance. It's not great but I think it's the best solution.

"I think the boys deserve the opportunity. We just have to sit with our fingers, toes and eyes crossed!"

In a statement, Swifts added: "This vote means the board's proposal has been supported by a majority of member clubs and, as a result, Bo'ness have been announced winners of the Premier League. Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale have been announced Conference A winners, and Tynecastle Hearts have been announced Conference B winners.

"Congratulations to all three teams from all at the Swifts.

"All that's left now is to wait on the decision regarding Bo'ness being promoted to the Lowland League. If they are promoted, the Swifts will in turn be promoted to the Premier League for next season.

"No matter what happens, the management team and the players must be recognised for having a fantastic season, considering it is only our second season in the EoS league."