The decision was made today (Thursday July 2) when Port United withdrew from the competition. This would have reduced the competition to just four clubs.

Football Mid North Coast chief executive Bruce Potter said this isn't viable.

"Port United informed the zone that they just didn't have enough players,'' he said.

Initially seven clubs nominated to play in the Zone Premier League, a one grade competition that would have been played for the first time this year.

However, Taree withdrew late last month when the club was admitted into the Coastal Premier League. Wauchope then pulled out earlier this week citing a lack of players.

Mr Potter said the remaining ZPL clubs, Wingham, Wallis Lake, Tuncurry-Forster and Camden Haven would be slotted back into the Southern and Northern Leagues.

Wingham won the Southern League premiership last year while Wallis Lake and Tuncurry-Forster previously played in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League, where Wallis Lake was the dominant club.

The Southern and Northern League competitions are due to start on Saturday. The ZPL scheduled matches are expected to go ahead on Saturday before the restructure is completed.

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