BRANDON UNITED WITHDRAW FROM THE EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO

It was really sad to read Brandon United had recently announced their withdrawal from The Northern League Division Two. United issued the following statement via social media on Monday 4th December "The Trustees of BUFC can confirm that we have, this evening, withdrawn from the NL with immediate effect. We are unable to fulfil any remaining games and after taking advice financially and from a football perspective we are unable to continue as hoped."

The club who proudly represent the County Durham Village of Brandon since 1968 when they were formed as a work's team for a local paper company. They were initially named 'Rostrons' after the company in question. They were very successful in the Durham & District Sunday League winning Division One for four successive seasons from 1973 to 1977 as well as the Durham Sunday Cup in 74, 76 and 77. They also won the FA Sunday Cup in the 75/76 beating Evergreen in the Final. 

They moved to Saturday football in 1977 and played in The Northern Alliance, Northern Amateur League and Wearside League until they were elected to join The Northern League in 1983. 

They have reached the FA Cup First Round proper on two occasions losing to Bradford City 0-3 at Spennymoor United's ground in 79/80 and losing to Doncaster Rovers in a replay at Belle Vue in 88/89. 

In 02/03 they were Northern League Champions and have also been Division Two champions in 84/85 and 99/00. 

This season has been a struggle with their last two results being two heavy defeats away from home. Sunderland West End won 9-1 on Saturday 11th November and Billingham Synthonia winning 12-0 on Saturday 4th November. 

In total they played 19 league games with 2 wins, 1 draw and 16 defeats with 8 goals scored and 88 conceded. 

I hope something can be done to resurrect football at The Welfare Ground in the near future so everyone involved with the club and local community can get involved again.