Crisis-hit Bicester Town, one of the oldest football clubs in Oxfordshire, could face extinction after landlords the Bicester Sports Association gave them notice to quit their ground in a row over rent.

The BSA have given the Hellenic League club 60 days notice because Town could not guarantee regular payments towards their £9,000 charges over the past two seasons for use of the pitch and rates.

On Saturday, Bicester were unable to fulfill their away fixture at Reading Town due to a lack of players, though on Monday night they were able to play their game at Binfield, losing 2-1 with John Umney netting.

The club, who are without a manager after Paul Berry resigned last month, was formed in 1896 following the merger of Bicester Harriers and Bicester Rovers and played on the cricket ground.

They had a number of homes, before moving to their present Oxford Road ground in 1929.

They won the Hellenic League in 1961 and 1980, but are floundering one place off the bottom of the Premier Division, having failed to win a game this season.

Town secretary Nick Harveson said: “It is a complicated situation, but in essence an unelected and therefore unaccountable private trust, set up to "provide sporting facilities" – with millions in assets – are threatening us because we cannot guarantee regular payments towards their £9k charges accrued over the past two seasons.”

Hellenic League general manager Brian King is optimistic.

He said: “I have heard nothing from Bicester.

“It’s very much to do with the BSA and the unfeeling manner in which they are dealing with the club. I hope people will see sense and get things moving forward.

“We are keeping a close eye on the situation. I am looking at it quite positively. ”