IT LOOKS like the end of the line for the league which has provided thousands of players in the Oswestry area with Sunday football for more than 40 years.

Just a few weeks before the scheduled start of the 2014-15 season, the North Shropshire Sunday League has just two member clubs – Dudleston Heath and Ellesmere-based Athletico Market.

And there’s every chance that both those clubs will apply for membership of the Shrewsbury Sunday League before the cut-off point today (Wednesday, July 30).

“We need a miracle – there’s no doubt about that,” said Roger Candlin, who has been involved with the league for 21 years and secretary since 1997.

“We’ve delayed until September 2 a final decision on whether we can go ahead, but it’s a long shot.”

The league operated with eight member clubs last season but champions Cross Foxes – who have changed their name to Gobowen Celtic – have switched to Saturday and will be playing in the Mercian Regional League.

The same applies to another ex-member club, The Keys, who will be known from now on as St Martins Village.

Malpas, runners-up last season, have decided to switch to their home county Cheshire, where they will operate an under-21 side.

The league began life as the Wem Sunday League in 1972, the brainchild of Wem footballer Derek Hutchinson. He persuaded Dave Ralphs to be chairman, a position the current Shropshire FA chief has held to this day.

First winners of the league were an Orthopaedic Hospital side which featured future England cricketer Andy Lloyd. Oswestry pub sides Three Pigeons, The George, The Bell, The Greyhound and The Oak all went on to win Shropshire county competitions.

In its heyday in the early 1990s, the league was made of three divisions, each with 12 member clubs.

Why the demise of Sunday football in North Shropshire?

“Cost, commitment and a lack of the type of volunteers who used to keep clubs going,” said Candlin.

“When you think it can cost more than £50 to hire a pitch, that’s a lot of money over the course of a season.”

There’s also a school of thought that the extension of Saturday evening licensing hours and the strict interpretation of the International Clearance regulations have played a part.

“It’s all very sad,” said Candlin.

“I was lucky enough to receive a long-service medal from the Shropshire FA earlier this year and less than three months later it looks as if our league will fold.”

If any club is interested in joining the North Shropshire Sunday League, even at this late stage, they should ring Roger Candlin on 01691 652609.