PEWSEY Vale have withdrawn from the Sydenhams League and will instead see their first team compete in the Wiltshire League for the remainder of the season.

Vale had competed in Hellenic League Division One West last season but were switched to the Sydenhams League for the 2019-20 campaign, something the club protested over due to increased travel demands.

After a tough start to the season which saw just one win and four points claimed from the opening 14 fixtures, the club took the tough decision to pull out from the league with immediate affect.

A club statement read: "It is with great regret that Pewsey Vale Football Club have made the decision to withdraw from the Sydenham’s Wessex League with immediate effect.

"This wasn’t an easy decision for the club to make, however, after several meetings, the committee came to this unanimous decision in order to protect our Senior League status and the future of our club.

"After the FA’s decision to move the first team into the Wessex League at the start of the season, despite an appeal, losing lots of key players due to the extra demands of travel, we were left with no illusion that it was going to be a difficult season ahead.

"And so it has proven. Despite the best efforts of our managers, committee members and players, this has had a demoralising effect and has progressively worsened.

"We feel like we were left with no choice but to make this decision before the club incurred further fines and further points deductions for not being able to fulfil fixtures.

"The vision of the club is to continue with a single adult team in the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior Premier League, as Pewsey Vale FC and our U18s team in the Corsham Print U18s Floodlight League with the view to rebuild in the future.

"We thank you all for all the messages of support and understanding at this time, it is much appreciated."

n ROYAL Wootton Bassett Town were 2-1 winners at home to Flackwell Heath in Hellenic League Premier Division last weekend.

TJ Bohane and Giorgio Wrona were both on target for Bassett.

Malmesbury Victoria's home meeting with Malvern Town in Division One West was postponed.