GREAT Bentley Football Club have been forced to pull their first team out of the Essex and Suffolk Border League.

The village outfit are the league’s longest-serving club, having joined as Tendring Hundred League champions in 1925.

However, the recent departure of several players, in addition to their first team and reserve-team managers, has led the club to reluctantly withdraw from the premier division.

They announced their decision at last week’s league monthly management meeting, although confirmed that their reserves will continue to play in division two.