Felixstowe Under 23s are seeking to join the Isthmian Development (North) League after quitting the Essex and Suffolk Border Football League (ESBFL) last week.

First team manager Stuart Boardley explained why the development squad were switching leagues, a year after leaving the Eastern Counties League, to start afresh next season.

Bottom of the table Felixstowe U23s won just three, drew three and lost 21 games in the ESBL.

Their last game before quitting the league was a 9-0 thumping at home by second placed West Bergholt and had conceded 92 goals in their 27 league games.

Although the switch was done for the right reasons, Boardley admitted things have not worked out the way the cub expected.

"The idea at the start of the season was probably the right one but it did not pan out quite how would have liked," said Boardley.

"They were playing against some real seasoned professionals in the league and it was not the environment that was bringing them on.

"Next season we will enter them into the Under 23 development league alongside the likes of Bury where they will be playing on better grounds on better pitches and in an environment with their peers which we feel will help bring them on."

The ESBFL said on its website: "We are sorry to have to advise that Felixstowe & Walton United FC Under 23s have decided to withdraw from the ESBFL Premier Division with immediate effect.

"This means that April's Premier Division fixtures will need to be reworked.

"There will inevitably be a knock on effect to some others and a decision will be made concerning the clubs' playing record. We will try to complete these as soon as possible."

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