GRASSROOTS football has suffered another shake in the area with a village club folding.

Committment issues have put a strain on Nomansland and Landford all season and they have consequently withdrawn from the Salisbury and District Premier league, leaving the division with 10 teams.

Nomansland exited the division at the basement as a depleted side each week contributed to them collecting just one point from five games.

Among the defeats, came 8-0 and 8-1 thumpings which took their toll on long-serving manager Mike Ward.

The retired boss, 66, says it’s “sad times” for the club he has managed for the past 12 years and played for in previous years.

“I can remember the time when there were seven or eight leagues in local football and teams had at least two sides,” he said.

“The village has changed a lot, along with people’s lifestyles. For example, last year six of our players were travelling from Portsmouth to play for us.

“A lot of players have other responsibilities at weekends, including spending time with their families. This season we’ve had too many passengers in the team and you cannot just put lads in who haven’t played at this level before.”

Ward, a versatile centre forward and central defender in his playing career, has been singlehandedly keeping the club going by managing its accounts, washing the kits and looking after the pitch.

“I get very little help and if I don’t do it, no one will.

“It’s just a shame we won’t be playing on the best pitch in the league.”

It is suspected that the flagship facilities at the Recreation Ground, which received a £400,000 grant for a new clubhouse and skate park among other things, will be occupied by another football team next season.