STONEBRIDGE ROAD has been cleared for Gravesend to stage Nationwide Conference football next season.

A three-strong deputation from the Conference Inspections Committee toured the ground on Tuesday afternoon and gave the all-clear following a weekend scare.

It followed weekend national newspaper reports suggesting that relegated Forest Green Rovers could win a reprieve because the Fleet had problems meeting the required ground criteria.

After Tuesday’s inspection found the club had no questions to answer regarding the ground’s infrastructure and capacity, furious Fleet chairman Brian Kilcullen fired off a stinging rebuke to Forest Green, accusing them of seeking to escape relegation on a technicality.

He said: "I regard this as mischief-making because a director of another club leaked something to a website.

"I want to assure our supporters that they have nothing to worry about and there are no problems because no issues were raised on Tuesday."

Mr Kilcullen confirmed that he expects the Northfleet End to be open in time for the start of the new season.

He added: "We have applied to the Football Foundation for a grant and are awaiting their response."

Meanwhile, Gravesend's 2002 Ryman League championship winning side come together again on May 10 for ex-manager Andy Ford’s testimonial.

Ford’s team will face the current Fleet side, which could also include former players such as Jimmy Bullard (Wigan), Mark Bentley (Southend) and Adam Miller (QPR).

Kick-off is at 7.45pm, with adult tickets costing £5 and £3 for under-14s.