FC Stratford withdraw from United Counties Premier Division South

FC Stratford have withdrawn from the United Counties League Premier Division South and the National League System with immediate effect. The club said it had formally notified the league and the Football Association, thanked its committee, players, management staff, volunteers and supporters, and promised further statements on its future in due course. Their home fixture with St Neots Town on Saturday 7 November did not take place after being postponed.

Yaxley were due to travel to Stratford the following week. In a post on the news they set out the club's record before withdrawal (two wins, two draws and ten defeats) and said all of its league results would be removed from the records and the table adjusted in due course. They also wished Stratford's fans, committee and players well, describing non-league football as an increasingly difficult space and saying they had been a week or two from folding the whole club last season.

On the pitch at Step 5, Hinckley AFC followed their FA Vase win with a 4-0 home defeat to Eastwood on Saturday 7 November. Ryan Wilson, Tyler Blake, Jamie Walker and Jordan Hallam scored, and Eastwood made it ten consecutive league wins in front of 209. Hinckley's report said the visitors were in complete control. Hinckley had learned earlier in the week that their Vase third-round tie would be at Desborough Town on Saturday 28 November.

Hucknall Town drew 1-1 with Gresley Rovers at the RM Stadium on Saturday 7 November. Callum Orange's header from a corner, his seventh goal of the season, put the hosts ahead on the hour, and defender Tony Gbopo, signed from Eastwood this week, made his debut. Belper United won 3-1 away at Blackstones, and FC Peterborough beat Moulton, with goalkeeper Sam Edwards saving a penalty. Deeping Rangers lost 1-0 at Sherwood Colliery.

Eynesbury Rovers lost 1-0 at home to Northampton ON Chenecks on the same day, and the club's report was headlined "Field in charge as Rovers seek new manager". Ashby Ivanhoe also played their last game under Lee Barratt, who is leaving after eight years, and lost to Sheffield.

Away from results, Daventry Town appointed Rob Steele, a former player and local businessman, as vice chairman on Wednesday 4 November. Gresley Rovers named Pete Dunn and Connor Adams joint first-team managers.