YORK Railway Institute FC's latest attempt to survive in the West Yorkshire League has failed - forcing the New Lane club to withdraw from the competition, writes Tony Curtis.

Having been 'let down' by a number of people - both players and managers - RI were left with little option to pull out of the league.

York have been quick to state though that they have not folded and will return to action next season.

The club were given a last warning by officials at the WYL for non-fulfilment of fixtures a fortnight ago and they responded with a superb 2-2 draw with division one leaders Sandy Lane.

However, the reprieve was short-lived for RI, with them forced to call off their game against Methley Rangers seven days later.

A club spokesman said: "It is very sad we couldn't hold it together.

"We had a lot of promises from a lot of people but they didn't materialise.

"It is a sad day, but we are now regrouping for next season - and we have time to get things together correctly."

The club, who are looking at rejoining the WYL with a second team in the Leeper Hare York and District League, admit they have got 'one or two interested parties' in helping out.

York's demise in the WYL has not affected the Frank Webster Floodlit Memorial Cup at New Lane, with the next round of games set to see Yorkshire Herald take on Acomb on Tuesday, December 11, kick-off 7.30pm.

Updated: 12:41 Friday, December 07, 2001