Maldon Town have declared their ambition to be one of the top non-league sides in Essex.

The Park Drive club have applied for promotion out of the Ridgeons League premier division.

Maldon along with current table-toppers Diss Town, Wroxham and Wisbech Town will have their applications reviewed by the league's management committee on Sunday.

Ground inspections have been carried out this week and if given the thumbs up by the league Maldon only have to obtain a top-three place to secure promotion.

"The league will decide if the clubs who have applied are up to scratch and then we will decide if we support their application," said Ridgeons League secretary Bruce Badcock.

He added: "If the teams make the top three and depending on what happens with where the teams come from that are relegated from the Southern League and the Isthmain League then they will gain promotion up to the next stage of the non-league ladder."

For Maldon boss Colin Wallington the forthcoming meeting represents the start of what he feels is the biggest challenge for the ambitious club.

"Getting out of this league is the hardest step," said Wallington.

Published Friday January 30, 2004

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