FRIDAY the 13th could be an more ominous date than usual for Newent Town.

The club face a vote calling for their exclusion from the Northern Senior League but are appealing for help from their fellow Forest clubs in the competition.

The league’s management committee have brought forward a motion to expel the club from the competition at a meeting held next Friday.

Despite not being in breach of any rules, Newent are accused of not fielding their strongest team in the Northern Senior League since entering the Hellenic League Division Two West.

However, a club spokesperson says there is nothing to choose between the two senior sides at Wildsmith Meadow.

“We have two decent squads of players who train together each week,” they said.

“All are dual registered so can play for either side. I don’t really see what the problem is.

“However, whatever the rights and wrongs of it, I am fully aware that if we don’t have the support of enough clubs, we will be excluded and it will immediately be the end of the season for the 16 lads.”

The motion will be voted on by the other 31 clubs in the Northern Senior via and if two thirds of the league’s members vote them out, then they will be excluded.

If Newent get the support of 12 or more clubs then they can continue in Northern Senior One.

Recent opponents in the competition have pledged their support to Newent, with a member of Taverners saying: “It’s ridiculous, we love coming to play Newent.

“It’s one of the best facilities in the league and they are great hosts. We will be voting to keep them in.”

Berkeley FC added “Newent will have our support, we don’t want to see any teams excluded. There are enough dropping out as it is.”