ARDLEY United have expressed their sympathy after Bicester Town were forced to leave the Uhlsport Hellenic League.

Town, who used Ardley’s Playing Fields ground as their home base, quit after just three games due to a shortage of players.

It is the second time Bicester have folded in the last seven years.

Although it will mean a loss of revenue for landlords Ardley, chairman Ian Feaver is sympathetic.

He said: “We are extremely disappointed.

“It’s never nice to see a club struggle. I know how much work they put in to get back into the Hellenic and stay there.

“I tried to offer my support, but their lack of a regular home has proved an insurmountable obstacle.

“Although the loss of revenue will hurt us in the short term, it won’t damage us overall.

“The club are buoyant. We have increased sponsorship, while gates are on the up and we are finding our feet following promotion to the Premier Division.”

In their latest league game, Greg Hackett scored a hat-trick as Ardley recorded a spectacular 4-1 success at Reading City on Monday.

After a slow start to their campaign, Craig Adey’s team are making progress.

Billy Gillett gave Ardley the lead and Hackett doubled their advantage before half-time.

The striker made it 3-0 early in the second half and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

The shell-shocked home side scored a consolation goal just before the end.

This Saturday, Ardley host Virginia Water.

Ardley Utd: Lawrence, Gabbidon, T Moore, Giles, Chalmers, West, McCarthy (J Moore), Mundy, McKirnan, Gillett (London), Hackett (Nadeem). Subs not used: Lewis, Leggett.