HAMWORTHY United could be forcibly relegated from the Southern League, due to ongoing issues with their home venue at the County Ground.

Hammers were unable to stage fixtures at their home venue towards the end of last season, using Dorchester Town’s Avenue Stadium for their play-off semi-final clash.

The two clubs held talks in late April regarding a groundshare.

Last month, Dorchester chairman Scott Symes told Echosport the Magpies would "do what we could" to help the Hammers.

Symes stressed the ball was firmly in Hamworthy's court, although United have been unable to secure any deal for a temporary home in Dorset.

The club require a new stand to be built in accordance with FA guidelines, in order to play step four matches at the County Ground again.

A potential groundshare could also ensure they can remain in Southern League Division One South, but Hamworthy’s board have today announced no such agreement is close to being reached.

A statement read: “As everyone is aware, our stand has been condemned and a replacement is to be built.

“The club was given some deadlines for this to be completed by and if not, to have a ground share agreement in place for the commencement of the new season.

“Sadly, we have at present been unable to put a ground share agreement in place (the host must have ground grading for step four or above).

“Even if we were able, the further stress on the club's financial position would be untenable having to not only pay for a facility but also the hospitality which is provided along with the loss of clubhouse income from a home match.

“The stand replacement will not be erected in time to meet the July 31, 2023 deadline given to us, nor will it be completed before the start of October at best (if everything goes smoothly with planning etc). This is out of our control.

“The Southern League and the FA are aware of the situation and we are currently waiting for a decision from the FA to find out if we are to be relegated (possibly up to three divisions) due to the ground not meeting the step four requirements, or whether we will be given an extension and are then able to start the season playing our home matches at the Sunseekers County Ground.

“They are discussing our situation on Wednesday, June 14.

“Rest assured, when we find out, everyone will be notified as soon as possible.”