TWO clubs have today been forced to quit the Dorset Combination League.

Witchampton United and Allendale have pulled out of the competition because they cannot meet strict new ground requirements.

Neither is able to erect a solid barrier around the perimeter of their Crichel Park and Redcotts Rec

pitches before the deadline of August 1.

League chairman Alan Burt said: Witchampton and Allendale are both excellent clubs with hard working and friendly people at the helm. Its a great shame that they are having to withdraw from the league, but neither feel they are able to do the work necessary in time.

Hopefully, both will have the work done within the next season or so and I know its their intentions to try and return to the Dorset Combination in the not too distant future.

Another club threatened by the new ground improvements ruling were Weymouth Sports, who have been forced to play the last two seasons at Redlands because of building work at their Cranford Avenue headquarters.

However, Sports are due to return to the Weymouth College site in July and officials have ensured the league that the work will be completed.

Mr Burt added: Weymouth Sports were facing problems and they would probably have had to step down if theyd stayed at Redlands. But their chairman Mark Richards has ensured us that they are now able to return to Cranford Avenue and that a solid barrier will be erected.

Obviously were delighted by that news because Weymouth Sports are popular and long-standing members of the competition.

Replacing Witchampton and Allendale will be Dorset Division One champions Poole Borough and Swanage Town and Herston, who have just been relegated from the Jewson Wessex League.

But there is no room for any other new arrivals, despite the league receiving applications from Wimborne Reserves, Dorchester United and Bournemouth Poppies Reserves. Were delighted to be welcoming Poole Borough into the Combination, explained Mr Burt, and its also nice to have Swanage back with us. But with the committee having voted to keep 18 teams in the Division, Im afraid weve had to turn down any new applications.

Meanwhile a proposal to change the competitions name to the Dorset Premier League, will be considered by member club representatives at the Combination League annual meeting in June.

,,h The Dorset County Football League meets tomorrow night to decide in which leagues Witchampton and Allendale will compete next season.