THE make-up of the Thurlow Nunn League next season is “up in the air” as the current campaign draws to a close.

League secretary Nigel Spurling said there were a number of factors that will influence who plays where next season.

Dereham Town appear on course to win the Premier Division title and therefore promotion to Step 4 level next season.

With six matches remaining they hold a seven-point lead over Wisbech Town, who have also applied for promotion but look likely to join the United Counties League if they are not successful.

Brantham Athletic, who have slipped off the pace, have withdrawn their application anyway as they need to build an outside toilet block and will not be able to get the necessary planning permission in time.

League secretary Nigel Spurling said: “I was asked about Wisbech moving sideways and we have no problem with that. They have kept us informed right from the start and I can understand their logic.

“They are on the periphery of our league geographically and they would have a number of derbies if they move to the UCL.

“We would be sorry to lose them, but they would go with our best wishes. We passed on our views to the FA about the knock-on effect it would have on the First Division.”

So two teams may exit the league at the top end and it looks like only two will be eligible for promotion from Division One.

Cambridge University Press appear destined for a top-three finish but will be leaving the Thurlow Nunn League at the end of the season and hope to return to the Kershaw Cambridgeshire League.

Their withdrawal comes because of no longer being able to groundshare with Histon and therefore not having floodlights.

Newmarket Town have clinched an immediate return to the Premier Division and Brightlingsea Regent are also on course to finish in the top three.

Spurling said: “I feel very sorry for Cambridge University Press. To be honest, we will be very disappointed to lose them, but Histon cannot guarantee them a groundshare.

“We do have a rule which states that only the top three will be promoted.”

It there remains to be seen how many teams will be relegated from the Premier Division into Division One, which has four teams interested in joining next season.

The reserve teams of Ryman League sides Leiston, who play in the Premier Division, and Needham Market, who are in Division One North, are seeking election to the Thurlow Nunn League for the 2013/14 campaign.

“Both Leiston and Needham Market have applied to the FA for promotion to Step 6 (Division One) level, but we don’t know if reserve teams will be accepted.

“Wisbech St Mary from the Kershaw Cambridgeshire League and Haverhill Sports Association from the Kent Blaxill Border League have also applied to join,” said Spurling.

“It is the FA who decide who goes into what division. I expect the FA to make some decisions by the middle of May, but everything is up in the air at the moment.”