South Normanton Athletic have said they are very sad that their local rivals Sutton Town have resigned from the NCEL.

The Fieldings outfit unexpectedly quit at yesterday's League AGM due to financial reasons.

Shiners Chairman Colin Price says that, whilst being happy about his side's own promotion into the Premier Division, his joy was tempered with what has happened just down the road from Lees Lane.

He said: "I would like to place on record the fact that we are so bitterly disappointed at the demise of Sutton Town Football Club.

"We were looking forward to renewing our 'Derby' matches against them which in the past have always been played in the best spirit of football.

"I am sure other clubs join us in our disappointment and they will be sadly missed by the NCEL League."