The decision means the Milton Park club will be playing Superleague football next season.

Despite finishing top of the First Division, the Saints finished the season under a cloud of uncertainty following the NRJFA's decision to appeal the SFA's decision.

The saga started on February 10 when the NRJFA decided to punish the Saints with a 12-point deduction and a £50 fine for fielding the ineligible Richie Crighton against Lads Club and Forres Thistle.

The Saints successfully appealed the deduction at Hampden on March 12.

However the NRJFA opted to challenge this decision meaning that the Saints were not presented with the league trophy when they defeated Stoneywood 7-0 on May 13 to ensure they would finish top of the First Division.

But after the SFA dismissed the NRJFA's appeal on Wednesday, the Saints can finally celebrate their league championship triumph.

Manager Steve Scott was delighted that the dispute was finally over and his team can look forward to the prospect of playing top-flight football next term.

He said: "It has been a long wait but we are delighted with the news. It has been very disappointing that we haven't been able to celebrate winning the league until now. However we are very pleased with the decision and we can now prepare for a tough season in the Superleague."

Club president Gordon Humble said: "I am delighted with the outcome and the club will release a statement as a response to the decision later in the week."

Football fans across Deeside can now look forward to the tantalising prospect of two local derbies with Banchory facing Culter home and away in the Superleague next season.

Steve Scott is hoping to bolster his squad over the coming weeks in order to compete with the top junior sides in the north-east.

He said: "I have my eye on one or two players already. We probably need at least three or four new players to be ready for the step up to the Superleague."