Grassroots football hit with another blow as North Molton withdraw

The ongoing fight to retain clubs in grassroots football received another painful blow last week, as North Molton FC were forced to withdraw from the North Devon Football League.

The League statement said: “It is with great sadness that I must inform you of the immediate withdrawal of North Molton 1st from the league.

“The club has stated: ‘Our management team have found it increasingly difficult to secure enough players to fulfil fixtures. Unfortunately, our hopes of achieving sufficient player commitment have not materialised.’

“As a result, their records will be expunged from the division and the club removed from the league.

“We are aware that some players are requesting transfers. Therefore, any member club wishing to sign a North Molton player may proceed with a transfer. No seven days’ notice is required to North Molton, and no fee is payable.

“This is yet another sign of the times, reflecting challenges faced not only here but across the county and beyond. It is a real shame that North Molton could not continue, though it was certainly not for lack of effort.

“We wish all the volunteers at North Molton the very best in their future endeavours, and we hope to see the club reform stronger in the future.”

Two games were played in the Premier Division of the NDFL on the weekend, Fremington 2nds battling to a 2-1 victory at Combe Martin with goals from Sam Chapman and Hayden Phillips. Elijah Clarke notched a consolation for the hosts. The other fixture saw Boca Seniors 2nds draw 1-1 at Braunton.

After the reshuffling of results following North Molton’s departure, Shamwickshire Rovers hold a one-point lead over Braunton at the top, with Landkey Town two points further back. Morwenstow are still looking for their first win at the bottom and face a tough trip to Braunton this weekend.

South Molton closed the gap on the leading duo in the Senior Division, Bradworthy and Bideford 2nds, after an impressive 6-0 victory over Combe Martin 2nds. All six goals came in the first half, Will Haynes bagging a hat-trick, with Ben Shapland, Ben Wells and Leo Werner also on target.

Kingsley Wizards were the big weekend winners in the Intermediate Division, turning on the style in a 6-1 trouncing of Morwenstow 2nds. David Brown bagged a brace and there were further goals from Declan Holmes, Phillip Kelly, Tor Wales and Liam Astbury.