JEWSON League First Division teams will play two less league games after the shock withdrawal of Brightlingsea United.

JEWSON League First Division teams will play two less league games after the shock withdrawal of Brightlingsea United.

This is a major blow to the league after struggling to bring the division up to strength.

The admission of Long Melford and Godmanchester this summer looked to have solved the problem and given clubs like Needham Market and Hadleigh enough games to make the league viable.

Brightlingsea have informed the league of their decision and are waiting news from the Border League about upgrading their Division Two Reserve side to become the first team.

The 'A' side, that plays in the Colchester and East Essex League, will then be upgraded to become Brightlingsea Reserves.

Club chairman Michael Cole spoke about the club's decision.

"We have never really set the world alight in the Jewson League and the last six or seven years in particular have been difficult.

"On Saturday the first team lost against Little Oakley in a friendly match and there were complaints from the players about various things after the game – much of which could probably have been resolved – but it resulted in our manager Jim Warnes resigning.

"It was a culmination of things and four or five players quit the club as well. It gives us little option than to pull out.

"It's a dent to our ego and of course we have been left with egg on our face."