Harworth Colliery have announced that, following Saturday's 3-2 defeat at AFC Emley, their management team have left the club with immediate effect.

The news comes as they currently lie in the Division One relegation zone, battling to preserve their Toolstation NCEL status having returned in the summer to the league for the first time since 1986.

A statement released on the club's website said: "The club would like to thank Lee Needham (pictured), Tom Hague and Dave Rushbury for all their hard work and commitment on what has been a difficult season up to date.

"But, with just eleven games left of the season, the club feels a change in management would give us our best chance of maintaining NCEL status.

"Time is running out for the club and after Saturday's defeat we remain second bottom, four points away from safety.

"The Colliery will be looking to appoint the next management not just for the short term but to build the long term development of the club.

"It is vital that, through times of change like this, the club remains together which includes all of the playing staff as we feel what we have is good enough to keep us up.

"And if the new management can add to this, along with a good crop of younger players, we have an excellent chance to stay up and eleven games hopefully gives someone a chance to come in and turn things around.

"Lee and Tom will always be remembered for steering us to promotion last season after taking charge in January.

"This became an historic campaign with the club reaching Step 6 status again for the first time in 32 years - now is the time to move things forward, maintain our status and push on."