HAMWORTHY United have announced that they are to withdraw from the Southern League Division One South with immediate effect.

Hammers will pull out of the eighth-tier league after six games, citing financial difficulties following their temporary move to Weymouth’s Bob Lucas Stadium as they await work on their County Ground home.

Their reserve side currently playing in the Dorset Premier League will continue, Hammers’ first team last playing in the division in the 2003-04 season.

A statement attributed to the club’s board on Hamworthy’s website read: “It is with profound regret that the club have written to the Southern League to inform them of our intention to withdraw from the league with immediate effect.

“The management and players have been informed.

“This decision has not been taken lightly.

“However, with the ongoing financial burden of being unable to play at our home ground together with the general costs of keeping a team in the Southern League, the financial position of the club has become untenable.

“In the best interests of the club we need to 're-boot' and concentrate on our Dorset Premier League team and the business.

“If this decision was not taken now, in a very short space of time there would no longer be a Hamworthy United Football Club which is something we could not let happen.

“Thank you to all the management team, players current and past, supporters and sponsors for helping us have a fantastic few years, the best the club has ever experienced.”

Hammers were due to host Bashley at the Bob Lucas this weekend, with the fixture cancelled.

It is currently unknown whether Hamworthy’s record will be expunged, with no statement currently provided by the Southern League.

Hamworthy’s record this term was five points from six fixtures, leaving them 17th in the embryonic league table.