THE Leeds Red Triangle League, which was formed in 1920, has been disbanded.

It only had three teams 94 years ago but the Saturday league had grown to over 100 by 1921 and had as many as eight divisions in its pomp.

But the advent of Sunday football, clubs moving to a higher level, a lack of grounds and facilities and rising costs have all combined to sound the death knell for the league.

Stanley Newton, the league's results and press officer explained: "We have tried hard to get new teams to join but to no avail.

"We ended last season with only ten teams. At the end of the season, five teams resigned due to the high cost of running a team, the cost of council pitches, dressing rooms, insurance and kit etc.

"Three teams went into other leagues, which left us with two teams, and after only getting two new applicants, we were left with four teams.

"We continued to try and get more to join right up to our annual meeting on June 30 but without success. So we had no alternative but to disband. It's a sad day for grass-roots football."

Farsley Celtic and Yorkshire Amateur were members of the league at one time, as were powerhouses Burley United and Pudsey Amateurs.

Brian Radcliffe put in 52 years' service to the league, either as secretary, fixture secretary or treasurer.