Clacton Town under-16s have been robbed of a league and cup double after officials cut their season short with six games left to play.

The Seasiders beat Great Wakering Rovers 1-0 with a Chris Senk goal to take the Essex County Cup but Witham have been declared champions of the Seatex Design Eastern Junior Alliance League.

League bosses ruled the season had ended although none of the teams had completed their fixtures.

Clacton had six games left and were only one point behind Witham who had three games to play in the southern section.

All the teams slipped behind their schedule due to the heavy rain during the winter. Clacton also had to postpone games as they had players representing Essex.

The teams were due to play each other three times during the season and at one time it was believed the clubs would only have to play twice but officials insisted all three games were played.

But then league bosses put an April 25 deadline on the season leaving all the teams unable to complete fixtures.

Clacton used to play in the Colchester and District Youth league but decided to change at the end of last season.

One Clacton player's parent said: "The team moved up because it was promised a higher level of football. The football is arguably a better standard but the league's administration is an absolute shambles.

"The lads have been ripped off probably winning the title through no fault of their own."

John Mason spokesman for the Seatex Design Eastern Junior Alliance League, said: "I sympathise with Clacton but all the teams were told in March that May 2 would be the play-off day and it was up to them to play their games.

"We considered the teams just playing two games against each other once, but the weather affected the schedule.

"The league management then decided it would be unfair on those teams who had already fulfilled their three fixtures."

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