BRIDPORT Development have been confirmed as withdrawing from competition in Dorset League Division One.

The Bees’ development team, who had changed their name from Bridport Thirds for this season, struggled with player availability.

Nathan Dennett had taken over from boss Dean Hope with the aim of guiding the Bees through the rest of the season, but circumstances dictated they would have to call time.

It is understood the cost of cancelling games forced Bridport into making the tough choice to pull their third string out of Dorset grassroots football’s third tier.

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Speaking to the Bridport News, club chairman Adrian Scadding said: “It was just a lack of players.

“(Dennett) said he would keep it on to the rest of the season but unfortunately he didn’t have the players.

“The cost of calling matches off was so expensive it was easier to withdraw them.

“We do need to bring the youth through the football club.”

A Dorset Football League spokesperson confirmed the Development’s withdrawal in a short statement, adding: “Bridport Development have withdrawn from the league due to lack of players, and players being unable to commit.”

It means just 13 clubs now reside in Division One, but Bridport still hope to run a third team for the 2023/24 season.

Scadding added: “We’re thinking about it but we’ve got to get the right person to do it.”