Reprieved: Lincolnshire Side Saved From Relegation, Despite Bottom Four Finish

Bourne Town’s remarkable rise through the non-league pyramid will continue for at least another season after the club were handed a reprieve from relegation despite finishing in the bottom four of the Northern Premier League Midlands Division.

The Wakes looked destined for an immediate return to the United Counties League after a difficult first campaign at step four ended with relegation confirmed on the final day of the season. However, the publication of the National League System allocations has now confirmed Bourne will remain in the division for 2026/27.

Voluntary relegations elsewhere in the pyramid opened the door for Bourne to retain their place on a points-per-game basis, ensuring the club will continue to compete at the highest level in its history.

It marks a dramatic turnaround from the mood that surrounded the club just over a fortnight ago. Following a 4-3 defeat at Belper Town on the final day of the season, manager Dan Flack spoke emotionally about the disappointment of relegation, while insisting the club had proven it belonged at the level.

Now, those comments appear especially relevant.

Bourne’s rise over the past few seasons has been one of the most impressive stories in Lincolnshire non-league football. After missing out in the United Counties League Division One play-offs in 2023, they bounced back to win promotion the following season before immediately following it with another successful campaign, culminating in a play-off final victory that secured step four football for the first time.

While the step up proved difficult, the margins were often incredibly fine.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

The Wakes have been reprieved based on PPG last season and we will take our place in the Northern Premier League Midlands again next season. pic.twitter.com/E7eKgiipmA

— Bourne Town FC (@BourneTownFC) May 14, 2026

The Wakes lost a host of matches by a single goal and remained competitive against many of the division’s stronger sides. Flack himself pointed to narrow defeats against play-off contenders Carlton Town, victories against Basford United and a pair of wins against Racing Club Warwick as evidence his side had not been overawed.

Their final day defeat at Belper summed up much of the season. Bourne twice battled back into the contest before eventually losing 4-3, showing the spirit and attacking threat that often kept them alive in matches even when results went against them.

The reprieve means Bourne can now begin planning for another campaign at step four rather than preparing for life back in the United Counties League Premier Division North.

They will also have some attractive local fixtures to look forward to next season. Both Boston Town and Grantham Town secured promotion into the division, creating three Lincolnshire clubs in the Midlands section and ensuring several eye-catching derby matches during the campaign.

Bourne were not the only Lincolnshire side handed positive news in the allocations.

Pinchbeck United have also been reprieved after finishing third from bottom in United Counties League Division One. They will remain in the division next season and will be joined by Harrowby United, who drop down from the Premier Division North.