HEREFORD United have been granted permission to play at their Edgar Street ground tomorrow despite having their capacity reduced below a national grading system.

The Bulls were told by Herefordshire Council yesterday that a maximum of 1,000 spectators could watch their home matches, beginning with the clash with St Neots tomorrow, as the part of conditions attached to the ground's safety certificate.

According to figures listed on the Football Association's website, the reduced capacity puts United in breach of the National Ground Grading system for Step Three (Southern League) clubs which must have a minimum operational capacity of 1,950.

But the Southern League says ground grading is based on the state of each ground on or before April 1.

"Since the club had an acceptable Grade A at the time, the matter of the reduced attendance will be addressed to ensure it complies within the required timeframe," said a Southern League statement.

"It should be noted that a number of situations have arisen across the National League System in the past and this is therefore added to the list and will be dealt with in accordance with league rules."

The league said any club not maintaining the grade set by the competition "may be relegated" at the end of the playing season to a step determined by the FA.