The concerning trend of clubs withdrawing from the Pembrokeshire Football League continued last night with the news that Angle FC have pulled out their two senior sides.

It follows a difficult campaign for the club which saw the first team stay up in Division One despite struggling for numbers for much of the season – while the second team were rock bottom of Division Four and often on the wrong end of two figure scores, including one 34-0 defeat at St Clears.

Ironically, when at full strength under manager Andrew Thomas, the first team seemed capable of holding their own in the top flight, winning their first three games of last season. But as Thomas explained to Telegraph Sport this morning, the situation with numbers has since deteriorated to such an extent that the club was left with little option.

“It’s a big decision and obviously a very sad one,” explained the 49-year-old, who himself played in goal last season when called upon.

“But last season became such a struggle and we went through hell in the last two or three months of it. We had a lot of injuries and lost boys to other things – but to be fair the players that were left they stuck at it, even though we were getting hidings.”

Indeed, to the credit of both Angle sides, they refused to pull out mid-season, and Thomas said it was the right call to fold now rather than start the next campaign and risk disrupting league points and tables.

“We were on the brink towards the end of last season but we still had Hakin and Goodwick to play and both were going for the title. We knew we had to see it out otherwise it would have thrown the table all over the place.

“I think teams appreciated that. We lost 23-0 at home to Goodwick but they were shaking our hands afterwards and thanking us for battling through.

“But now it’s come to this it’s obviously very disappointing for everyone involved. Especially for people like my dad (Chairman Peter Thomas) and Haydn Phillips who have been at the club for over 50 years – while players like Scott Richards and Josh Clarke have given such great service.

“Boys will obviously move to other clubs now and I wish them good luck wherever they go.”

However, there does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel, with Thomas insisting the club will be returning to the Pembrokeshire senior set-up.

“We have a full under 16 side with some cracking players,” said Thomas.

“So we’ll concentrate on them and when the time is right, we’ll start afresh in Division Five.

“We’ll be back there’s no doubt about that.”

The development means a reprieve for Herbrandston, who now avoid relegation in Division One. Ironically, it was the withdrawal of West Dragons and re-allocation of points late in the season that left Herbie in the bottom two in the first place.

Letterston now also avoid the drop in Division Two, and St Clears 2nds will join the latter as despite finishing third, they are now promoted from Division Three – with the format for the bottom three leagues to be confirmed.