DROITWICH Spa have already focused on winning promotion from the Midland Combination Division Two after losing their bid for promotion last week.

Spa had been one of four clubs that had applied to the Combination for a place in Division One next season.

However, while Archdale 73, University of Birmingham and Handsworth were all given a place, Spa narrowly lost out.

Chairman Dave West believes that the best route to promotion next season is by finishing in the top two and going up automatically.

He said: "It was always a long shot, but we did think we had a chance.

"All we can do is concentrate on the new season and make sure we're ready for it.

"I think it's vitally important that we go up next season as it's going to get a lot harder.

"The teams coming up from Division Three are getting stronger and will be a real test."

It was the league's decision to only relegate Kenilworth Wardens from Division One that ended Spa's promotion aspirations.

Fairfield Villa had been expected to go down after finishing second from bottom but were given a reprieve.

Next season Droitwich will have two less games to play than the 2004/2005 season after the division was reduced to 16 teams.

West believes this may play into Droitwich's hands.

He said: "Less games means there is a bit more scope to go further in the cups. Last season we did really well in the cups but we did just miss out on automatic promotion."