Withdean are waiting to hear the outcome of their appeal to the Football Association but chief executive Alan Pook admits hope is fading.

The Combined Counties League champions have taken their case to the FA after being denied promotion to the Ryman League.

Officials on the Ryman League say Withdean cannot groundshare with Worthing unless there is a permanent groundshare agreement in place, which Pook argues there is.

Worthing have also been told they cannot have both Withdean and Albion Reserves using Woodside Road.

Withdean's appeal was heard yesterday and they will be notified of the outcome in writing early next week.

Pook said: "We have lost part of the appeal. We are still in there fighting but our hands are behind our backs.

"We have lost the first round. We have the second round to come and we will know the definite answer on Monday or Tuesday but it is not looking good.

"There is some hope but it is not a roaring fire. There are a couple of influential people on Brighton Council talking to the FA at the moment who are confident of pulling it out of the fire."

If Withdean fail in their appeal, they will not be able to play at Woodside Road at all, either in the Ryman or the Combined Counties League, which could spell the end for the club.

Meanwhile, Pook has denied a report that he is buying into Worthing Football Club.