THE withdrawal of 10 teams contributed to a difficult past season, secretary Terry Lawrence told Friday's annual meeting of the Rochester and District Football League.

Having constituted with a total of 83 teams at last year's annual meeting, which represented an increase of five, the league suffered a withdrawal before a ball had been kicked.

Milton Athletic were lost from the flagship Premier Division which suffered further setbacks when AFC Crix withdrew after playing one game. Both Livingstone Arms and Jubilee folded midway through the season, leaving nine teams in the Division.

Other withdrawals were Burnt Oak and Lordswood Crusaders from Division 1, Sheppey Athletic from Division 2, Beacon Court and KC Nomads from Division 3 plus Sittingbourne Lions from Division 4.

Mr Lawrence: "Last season was, without doubt, an extremely difficult one and caused much work for league officials and considerable inconvenience to fellow clubs.

"However, despite the problems caused by 10 withdrawals, our league council remained positive throughout the season as we concentrated our efforts on supporting and encouraging the 73 teams that wished to honour their commitments and show loyalty to the league."

Mr Lawrence described the Rochester and District League's feat in providing three of the six county finalists - including both in one group - as an "absolutely fantastic achievement."

He added: "In my personal opinion this feat did not earn the credit it deserved, either from the county FA or from certain sections of the media.

"But we know the merits of this achievement and we are justifiably proud. A look at the last three seasons shows we have provided no less than seven of the 18 county cup finalists."

Mr Lawrence said it was pleasing that the number of fixtures not fulfilled by clubs was down on recent seasons, although he said it continues to be an unacceptable problem.

He said: "In each and every case the points were awarded to the non-offending clubs and fines imposed on the guilty clubs. The league council continues to be concerned at this ongoing problem.

"Whilst we understand the problems faced by clubs, and the club secretaries in particular, we all have a duty to the people who are inconvenienced by the actions of those who do not fulfil their obligations - often at the very last minute.

"Many players and referees give up an afternoon's work to play in the Rochester and District League and to have a game cancelled at short notice is simply unacceptable.”