THE bad news since the Basingstoke and District Football League’s AGM in June is the shock withdrawal of Basingstoke Labour Club from the league.

The club has been in the Saturday League since the 1970’s, so this leaves eight clubs in Division One, as it is too late to promote any of the clubs from Division Two.

Christine Cordery who has been hon secretary for over 25 years, said it was with regret we had to make the decision, but as manager Daniel Poulter had arranged three training sessions and only three players turned up, the decision has been made as players are showing no interest in signing.

The good news however is another new club Somesay FC have joined and will be in Division Two, making it 10 teams.

Origin remains in the league, but will now be known as Headley Origin but will continue playing on a council pitches in Basingstoke.

The Saturday league season starts on Saturday, September 2 and the divisions are made up as follows; Division One: AFC Aldermaston Res, Bounty Utd, Hook, Herriard Sports, Overton Utd B, Tadley Calleva A, Twentyten and Winklebury Wizards.

Division Two: AFC Aldermaston A, AFC Berg, Basingstoke Athletic, Basingstoke Town Colts, Chineham, Longdog Soldiers, Twentyten Res, Headley Origin, SomeSay FC and Sherborne Saints.

On Sundays since the AGM another club has joined in Shallow End in Division Two, where there are now 10 teams, as in Division One.

The Sunday league season starts on Sunday, September 3 and the divisions will be made up as follows; Division One: AFC Soldiers, Bramley Utd, Chineham, Eastrop Eagles, Hampshire Irons, North Warnborough, Oakley, Overton Utd, Soldiers Return and Republic of Chineham.

Division Two: Basingstoke Saints, Camrose Social, Chineham Athletic, Chineham Res, Shallow End, Kempshott, North Warnborough Res, Overton Utd Res,Team FC and UWS.