SOCCER: Maurice Scrivener has resigned as chairman of the Metaltec SIL. He took over the post in 1998 but now finds that he does not have the time to devote to the prestigious job.

MAURICE Scrivener has resigned as chairman of the Metaltec SIL. He took over the post in 1998 but now finds that he does not have the time to devote to the prestigious job.

He resignation was heard at last night's league management committee and vice chairman Peter Cocker will step up and take over on a temporary basis until next summer's annual general meeting.

Speaking today Scrivener, who will continue refereeing in the SIL, said: "I have only managed to make one meeting this season. My job takes me all over the place and I just don't have the time to do the job justice.

"Weekends are fine so I can stay refereeing, but the league deserves to have someone at its helm who give more time."

Scrivener is senior national account sales manager for a card company and finds himself travelling all over England. A former senior player he took up refereeing after his playing days were over.

"The league is bigger than I am and will stay connected," he added. "Who knows, one day I may be in a position to come back.

"There is still plenty of work to be done at the SIL. There is always room for improvement and I would like to thank the management committee for their support."

Alan Gorham, chief executive of the SIL, said: "In very difficult circumstances Maurice has always tried to do the best for the league.

"Because of his job he has been unable to attend meetings and club of the month nights. We wish him well in everything he does.

"Peter Cocker will step up and we will resolve the full time position of chairman at the annual general meeting."

Tomorrow's games see leaders Walsham-le-Willows travelling to East Bergholt, while Grundisburgh, who appear to have re-found their true form, are at home to Old Newton.

Ipswich Athletic are at Capel Plough while Ransomes need points when they visit a Haughley side who are enjoying a good season.

In the Jewson League, Felixstowe and Walton United have an entertaining game in prospect when they entertain Wroxham at Dellwood Avenue, with Woodbridge Town also at home – to an attractive Gorleston side.

Ipswich Wanderers visit Dereham, who are one of the five Jewson League clubs still in the FA Carlsberg Vase with Stowmarket making the journey to Soham.

Needham Market want to continue their good recent form in the First Division when they visit Somersham, while Hadleigh play at Cornard in a local derby. Whitton United, thrashed last week by Needham, are at home to Thetford.

EARL Soham Victoria have reached the last 64 of the Carlsberg Pub Cup following their 6-2 victory over The Dales from Ipswich. Stuart Jopling scored a hat-trick while Ian Gedny (2) and Terry Aldis also found the net. David Pitt and Jamie Sandilands scored for Dales, with Victoria now travelling to Sudbury-based Great Eastern in the next round.

THE Kent Blaxill Border League may be about to lose is feeder status to the Jewson League. Moves are afoot within the Football Association to make changes, with the Jewson League currently being also fed by the Metaltec SIL, Anglian Combination and Kershaw Cambridge League.

The last three are set to keep their status. How this will affect Long Melford, who have made their plans public to apply for a Jewson League position next season from the Border League remains to be seen.