CHRISTCHURCH manager Ollie Cherrett criticised the timing of Weymouth’s withdrawal from Sydenhams Wessex One and said it had left a “sour taste in the mouth”.

The Terras this week announced they had disbanded their reserve team, with a league statement saying the decision had been taken so the club could “concentrate all their energies and finances on their senior side”.

Their record – which had included defeats by Christchurch, Ringwood, Tadley, Downton, Stoneham and Follands – will now be expunged.

Weymouth spent one full season in Wessex One after clubs had voted in favour of relaxing a directive which allowed reserve sides to enter the competition.

Cherrett told the Daily Echo: “It is disappointing and the timing has certainly left a sour taste in the mouth.

“Their excellent facilities had enhanced the league and Ray Pearce and Hilary Billimore had run the team very professionally so it is a great shame to lose them.

“But they had a new manager in the summer and if he felt the reserves wasn’t what he was looking to do, perhaps then would have been a better time to pull out rather than eight games into the season.

“It is frustrating from an opposition team’s point of view and we are one of eight clubs to have played them in a game which has now been rendered meaningless.

“I was very much in favour of them coming into the league. I thought it would strengthen it on and off the pitch but maybe this shows the pitfalls with reserve teams.

“Perhaps the league were correct in saying reserve teams should not be allowed in. Let’s just hope Weymouth haven’t ruined it for a club which wants to come in for the right reasons.”

Christchurch, who exited the Sydenhams League Cup following a 1-0 defeat at Alresford on Wednesday, host fellow Wessex One high-fliers Andover New Street on Saturday (3pm).

New Milton, who bowed out of the League Cup after losing on penalties to Laverstock & Ford, visit Totton & Eling, while Verwood entertain Ringwood (both 3pm).

In Wessex Premier, Hamworthy United put their unbeaten record on the line when they host Cowes, while Bashley visit Andover Town bidding to become the first team to take points off them.

Lymington Town entertain Baffins Milton Rovers, while Brockenhurst travel to Sholing (all 3pm).