Junior football in South Durham has been dealt a serious blow with the resignation of three clubs from the Auckland and District EBAC Youth League. Ferryhill and Meadowfield are the latest to quit the under-18 League, following last month's resignation of former champions Chilton YC.

The league has now been reduced to six member clubs, and the future of the competition must be in doubt.

"It's for the six clubs to decide, and that could happen before the end of the season," said league secretary Bob Farms.

Lack of officials to run teams and the difficulties of recruiting and retaining players are the main factors in the three resignations.

Chilton were league champions and Presidents Cup winners in 2000 and league cup winners in 2001. "You can't run a team on your own, and the problems with players are endemic," said Chilton manager Norman Leighton.

Meadowfield secretary David Clennell has had to quit on health grounds after he was left to run the team by himself. Ferryhill secretary Fiona Bell is hopeful her club will return to the league in two years' time. "We have had a two year gap before," she said, "we have had problems raising a team, but I have enjoyed being involved."

* On Saturday, Willington won 2-1 away to Coundon & Leeholme in the league thanks to goals from Martin Hopps and Lee Jenner. Dale Jardine scored for Coundon.