Wheatsheaf given marching orders

The Division Three club was punished for their part in an incident in the match against Essenden on March 16 when a Wheatsheaf player punched the referee.

The management committee's proposal to show the club the red card was backed by a massive majority of 22-3 at the league's AGM.

League honorary secretary Robin Powell said: "We will not tolerate that sort of behaviour on a Sunday morning. Referees are kind enough to give up their time and they do not need to be hit." Powell is hoping the expulsion sends out a positive message to rest of the league.

The new league season will kick-off on August 24 with nine teams in both the First and Second Division and 11 in Division Three. Top flight clubs Harrow and Traffers Bar have both withdrawn.

Division 1: Oddfellows Arms, Tackleway, Bexhill Utd, Tilekiln CC, Abbey, Ridge West Garage, Hastings Postal, Silverhill Club (promoted), Saxons (promoted).

Division 2: Bo-Peep (relegated), Oddfellows Arms II, Sporting Priory, Comet, Unilock, Bexhill Utd II (promoted), Collington (promoted), Millers Arms (promoted), LG Opticals (promoted).

Division 3: Punnetts Town (relegated), Westhill Wanderers (relegated - renamed Hooe GAF), Southern Boys Club (renamed Hungry Horse Boys), Essenden, Towers, Spartan, Bo-Peep II, Peasmarsh, Sporting Priory II, Seven Stars, Old King John.