JUNIOR soccer team Freemasons, one of the most successful sides in the Lashings Maidstone League in recent seasons, have been decimated by the departure of several of their best players to Kent League club Tunbridge Wells.

Freemasons president Derek Wood said the club are going to protest to the KCFA.

Freemasons have gained promotion in each of their five seasons in the league and are now in the Premier Division.

The departures have severely depleted their side and led to them forfeiting their Butchers Removals Group A semi-final against Ditton United.

“The league turned down our request to suspend the semi-final and we have been fined for forfeiting the game,” said Mr Wood.

“It’s annoying that Tunbridge Wells can come in and take our players without approaching the club first. In our opinion it’s wrong.”

Tunbridge Wells manager Kevin Metcalf said: “I am not in the business of nicking other clubs’ players. If players want to come to training and play for us I let them.”

Freemasons hope to soldier on for the rest of the season. Anone wanting to play for them is asked to contact manager Peter Murphy on 077396 25918.